Peterson a star, marked man

Published: June 28, 2008

But if a camper wants to catch Peterson's eye, here's a suggestion.

Wear one of those regal Viking jerseys, the purple with the gold trim, and put a big X on the back. Peterson will notice.

Entering his second pro season, Peterson is a marked man.

Some NFL defenses, apparently preparing in a cave, were caught with their shoulder pads down last autumn, oblivious to Peterson's superhero status. Speeding bullet, locomotive sort of stuff.

No chance of repeat oversight. No chance at all.

Not after 224 yards rushing against the Chicagos and an NFL single-game record 296 yards rushing against the San Diegos.

Not after 1,341 yards and 12 touchdowns as a rookie, despite sharing time with Chester Taylor and despite a quarterback who ranked 28th in a 32-team league.

"Definitely feels different as far as having an X on my back,” Peterson said. "A bullseye ... you're going to have guys in our division working hard to stop our running game.”

Consider the crusade already begun. In Minnesota's final four games, Peterson gained just 144 yards total on 54 carries. Even Superman struggles.

The Vikes have a glorious running game. A beefy offensive line, led by left-siders Bryant McKinnie and Steve Hutchinson, and a coach, Brad Childress, who knows the intricacies of producing running lanes.

But until the Minnesota passing game improves, defenses will load up on Peterson.

Peterson takes up for quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.

"As far as offense, we've got young guys, including myself, coming into our second year,” Peterson said. "More experience under our belt. Got a quarterback who took steps to improve his game.”

Uh, OK. Jackson, a 25-year-old Alabama State man, threw 12 interceptions to only nine touchdowns.

Most everyone, from amateur analysts to long-time experts, is excited about the '08 Vikes. Sports Illustrated guru Paul Zimmerman even picks Minnesota to win the Super Bowl.

But until Jackson improves markedly, or the Vikes find someone appreciably better, Minnesota's win total (8-8 last season) and Peterson's rushing total will be hard-pressed to rise.

"As the season progressed, the X got bigger,” Peterson said. "More noticeable. Now it's there. Now they have time to focus and know hey, we've gotta stop this running game.”

The Vikings have grizzled veteran Gus Frerotte, perennial backup Brooks Bollinger and rookies John David Booty and Kyle Wright, but this apparently is Jackson's job.

Jackson's job, but Peterson's team.

He's become a Minnesota superstar. A city that lost Kevin Garnett and Johan Santana still has Peterson, who claims he's fine with working in the Great White North.

"The only problem we have with Minnesota is when it's like 40 below,” laughed Peterson's dad, Nelson. "The people in Minnesota are lovely. Fans are excited. It's the perfect place.

"It's a place you can concentrate on football. To me, it's a lot like Oklahoma. Good environment, good place.”

Health was the only knock on Peterson going into the 2007 draft, and he didn't completely shake it, despite the 200-yard games. Peterson missed two games with a knee sprain.

The only consolation, Peterson probably dished out more hurts than he received.

"It's a long season,” Peterson said. "Your body can endure getting beat up. You just gotta prepare for that. That's really what it's all about. Each week, take care of your body. I'm feeling good right now. I'm ready to go.”

The NFL is a brutal sport. If football was played by animals, PETA would protest at every stadium.

But Peterson said it wasn't much different than college. "Maybe a step or two,” he said. "Especially with my style of play. I like to try to deliver the blow. I think a lot of guys kind of shy from that.”

Some scouts questioned Peterson's upright, physical running style. Peterson has been hearing that kind of talk all his life. Silly, of course. Defenders lose a smidge of aggression when a 220-pound headhunter comes barreling their way.

Like a great hitter who doesn't want anyone messing with his swing, Peterson sticks to his style.

"I tell ‘em, things have got me this far, I'm going to continue to do it,” he said. "You don't always have to sit there and try to run someone over. But it's a big play, you need that yard, I'm definitely going to try to deliver that blow on you.”

Beware the marked man. He just might mark you.

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