Peterson says he does not ‘have anything to prove' to Vikings for 2017
The Minnesota Vikings running back may be playing in his final season with the team, but he feels like his career resume is enough to earn a return in purple next year.During Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Minnesota Vikings likely did not get the performance out of running back Adrian Peterson that they were hoping for. Peterson finished the game with just 23 total yards on seven touches while only playing in 21 percent of the team’s total snaps on offense.Based on his first two games of the 2016 season, the running back’s statistics against the Colts really should not have come as a surprise to anyone. Peterson’s combined rushing yards in his three appearances this year have not even cracked the 100 yard mark yet. Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports Currently, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has rushed for 34 more yards this season than the Minnesota running back.But even with his struggles this year, Peterson does not feel like he does not need to do much for the Vikings to keep him on the roster next year. On Wednesday, the running back responded to a question about him having something to prove to Minnesota’s front office heading into the team’s final two games this season.“I wouldn’t think so, I’ve been here for 10 years, I’ve done some okay things. For me, I don’t really feel like I have anything to prove.”More from The Viking AgeAdam Thielen expects to play for Vikings vs Packers in week 163h agoAdrian Peterson’s return is more harm than good for Minnesota Vikings3h agoNFL.com analyst calls Laquon Treadwell a ‘major disappointment’6h agoFour Minnesota Vikings players selected to 2017 NFL Pro Bowl19h agoMunnerlyn on spoiling Packers’ playoff hopes: ‘If we can’t go, they can’t go’1 d agoAdrian has accomplished more than most of the running backs who have played in the NFL, but a player’s past success hardly ever goes into a team’s decision making process. Jerry Rice is arguably the best wide receiver to ever play in the league, but that did not stop the San Francisco 49ers from cutting him four years before his career ended.Peterson has failed to recognize that NFL teams could care less about what a player has achieved for them in the past. It is all about what that player can do for the team right now and in the near future.Next: Thielen expects to play for the Vikings on SaturdayPerhaps Minnesota could give the running back the benefit of the doubt, but a smart person would not bet on that.This article originally appeared on
