For all you Cheeseheads drinking Packer Kool-Aid after Green
Bay's 7-1 start, let me give you a fair warning for what to expect this Sunday
against the Vikings. Two words, one threat: Adrian Peterson.

The best way I can describe Peterson is filthy nasty. The
kid from Oklahoma set the single-game rushing record with 296 yards last
Sunday, breaking Jamal Lewis' mark by a yard. All this came against a San Diego
Chargers team that, until then, had one of the more stout rushing defenses in
the league.

With last season's MVP LaDainian Tomlinson on the other side
of the field, Peterson was the one running like a seasoned vet, not LT. Look at
it this way: AP's third quarter touchdown run of 64 yards was more than Tomlinson
would accumulate (40) the entire day.

Peterson is currently on pace to rush for 2,072 yards, which
would put him dangerously close to Eric Dickerson's record of 2,105. Had he
been utilized more by the Vikings' offense earlier in the season (he's had
three games of under 20 carries), that number would be a lot higher.

Oh, and did I mention he has only played eight NFL games?

The truth of the matter is that Peterson can play. He has
explosive speed off the line, can make guys miss in the open field and can even
deliver punishing blows if need be. Once he gets past the secondary, you can
forget about trying to catch him and start getting your offense ready to get
back on the field.

In a season highlighted by the Patriots' perfect first half
and surprise teams like the Browns, Lions, and Packers (face it, no one
expected them to be where there are right now), the Vikings don't exactly stick
out on anyone's radar. Peterson does, however.

He is the lone bright spot on a 3-5 team struggling to figure
out who their quarterback is. Tarvaris Jackson has been the starter for the
first half of the season, but injuries have forced Kelly Holcomb and former
Badger Brooks Bollinger to step into action.

In fact, if Minnesota had a consistent signal caller, AP's
yards may have seen an increase. With the inexperienced and talentless Jackson
under center, the Vikes have been forced to run the ball more than normal. The
lack of the passing game limits their opportunities to open up the run game.
Because of this, teams know what to expect and pack the box, hoping to stop
Peterson.

Despite their best efforts, very few do, as evidenced by his
league-leading 1,036 yards. (He's almost 300 yards ahead of second place Willie
Parker.) He also has 206 yards receiving and nine total touchdowns to boot. Not
bad for a rookie.

Aside from giving ESPN something to talk about other than
the Colts and Patriots, Peterson has provided reason for Minnesota fans to
cheer, which doesn't happen too often in any sport these days. The Minnesota
Golden Gophers football program has just one win, the Timberwolves are
projected to finish dead last in the NBA without Kevin Garnett and the Twins
could potentially lose the face of their franchise in Torii Hunter.

For Minnesotans, Peterson is a glimpse of hope and a preview
of the future of Viking football. It's been a while since the Purple had a
playmaker with AP's skills; you'd have to go back to the days of Randy Moss
(who's having a monster season out East with what's-his-name throwing to him)
and Daunte Culpepper to find this kind of excitement.

The biggest concern for Adrian now, as it was in college, is
his health. Questions continue to hover about how long he can stay healthy
while carrying the weight of the Minnesota offense on his shoulders. Injuries
while with the Sooners hurt his draft stock, allowing him to fall to the
Vikings with the seventh pick. It was surprising to see Peterson fall into
their lap.

At the midpoint of the season, Peterson is making a case for
himself as one of the premier backs in the league despite playing in only eight
contests. Watching him run, it's easy to see why so many fantasy owners (myself
included), and NFL general managers, for that matter, are kicking themselves
for not taking him. With runs of 55, 64, 67 and 73 yards and two 200-yard
games, Adrian Peterson is the real deal.

Mark my words: On Sunday, Adrian Peterson will be to the
Green Bay defense what final exams are to college students. You know it's
coming, but there's nothing you can do to stop the pain.

I'm excited to see what he can do on the frozen tundra of
Lambeau Field. Last time against the Packers, he ran for 112 yards on just 12
carries. For you non-math majors, that's a 9.3 yards per carry average.

The day Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson or Vernand Morency runs
for those kinds of numbers, give me a call.