Adrian Peterson Makes Wild Prediction Against St. Louis Rams

Normally, I don’t doubt or question anything Adrian Peterson says.  There have been so many times that people have counted him out because of his injury, age, or whatever reason people can find, but he always seems to prove them wrong.  Sometimes, Adrian Peterson makes some big claims.  He always says he’ll beat the regular season rushing record and he wants to become the NFL’s all time leading rusher.  While long term goals like that are great for a player, it is sometimes the short term claims that draw the most attention.

Today, Adrian Peterson spoke with Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press about a major prediction he made:

"“I might as well speak it. Touchdown. First run.’’  Adrian said."

Aug 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) leaves the field after the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. The Vikings won 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Very few running backs in the NFL score a touchdown in the first regular season game, little alone on their first carry.  After not being active during the preseason again this year, Peterson expects to take the first handoff of the game to the house.

Peterson did accomplish this last year after not taking a single rep during the preseason.  He sliced through the Detroit Lions defense on a 78 yard touchdown run.  However, he will face a tougher challenge this time against a stout St. Louis Rams squad.

Hoping that lightning will strike twice, Adrian recalled when he made the same claim to the locker room last season:

"“I think that Tuesday or Wednesday, me and Toby and Matt Asiata were talking, and I was like, ‘I’m going to take the first carry, I’m going to take it to the house,’’’ Peterson said. “I really didn’t think about it. I said it and really meant it when I said it and then when it happened, I came to the sideline and they reminded me of it. They were like, “Oh man, you said that you were going to do that.’ So I kind of remembered it. So, hopefully, I will try to say it again and hopefully it will work on the same way.’’"

On Sunday, Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings will travel to St. Louis.  And, of course, he will look to take that first handoff for a touchdown.