Introducing Adrian Peterson.
The rookie from Oklahoma put on quite a show in his first real game, rushing for 103 yards on 19 carries and making a spectacular catch-and-run for a 60-yard touchdown that broke the game open in the Vikings' 24-3 victory over Atlanta on Sunday.
"I always expect to help the team and make big plays,” Peterson said. "This is what you dream about the night before, the big plays you want to make.”
It was also what Vikings fans have been dreaming about ever since their team selected Peterson with the seventh overall pick in April's draft. Last year, the Vikings fielded a punchless offense that put most people to sleep, setting franchise lows for first downs gained and touchdown passes in a miserable 6-10 season.
After becoming so used to the big-play units featuring Moss, Culpepper and Cris Carter in recent seasons, the fan base responded with a startling indifference to what once was the state's main attraction.
The Vikings needed to get an extension from the NFL, and a last-minute bailout from a local television station, to avoid being blacked out in the Twin Cities for the first time since the B.M. era — Before Moss — ended 10 years ago.
Now they have a new leading man that should make the box office a little busier.
Peterson went from supporting actor to star in a hurry. The initial plan was for him to split the carries with starter Chester Taylor, who rushed for 1,216 yards last season. But Taylor bruised his hip in the first quarter, and with no other tailbacks dressed, Peterson took over.
"He's a tremendous talent,” Vikings center Matt Birk said.
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I believe that there are 6 teams in the NFL kicking themselves in the arse right now for letting AD go to the Vikes. An unbelievably explosive player. If he stays healthy- hello Canton.
Go A.D! Just don't get hurt. I will enjoy watching his career, and I hope it is a long one. Adrian is such a nice young man, in addition to being a tremendous athlete.
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He hurt the Cowboys while here in Oklahoma.
Glad to see him go.
Good luck to him.