Fran Tarkenton: 'The Vikings' potential is so exciting'
Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton is excited about this year's team. The Vikings have only made the playoffs once in the past five seasons, but Tarkenton thinks 2015 will be different.
In a column for the Pioneer Press, Tarkenton wrote the following about the '15 Vikings:
The Vikings' potential is so exciting; they have a real chance to go far in what is already looking like one of the most wide-open seasons I can remember. There really isn't a dominant team that scares you right now, and there are opportunities for young teams like the Vikings to seize this chance.
Tarkenton, who led the Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances in the 1970s, believes Adrian Peterson is the key to Minnesota's success. Peterson had 192 total yards from scrimmage in last Sunday's win over the Detroit Lions, so Tarkenton's theory tests positive so far.
Tarkenton wrote the following about Peterson in his column for the Pioneer Press:
Peterson is the rare back, in this day and age, not only capable of the big plays that jump-start a team but also of shouldering the load play after play as an offense breaks down the will of the opposing defense.
I don't expect 30 touches for Peterson every game, but a steady workload will make life so much better for Bridgewater, coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
The Vikings will continue to ride Peterson for as long as they can. He is 30 years old, though, so they must be conscious of the mileage they put on him this season. The key to extended success is to keep him fresh for each week.
(h/t Pioneer Press)
