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Adrian Peterson sees a lot of himself in Chargers RB Melvin Gordon

By Adam Carlson

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Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has had a lot of success in the National Football League.  The man who currently holds the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single game is also a former NFL Most Valuable Player and a member of the 2,000 yard rushing club knows what it takes to be a star in the NFL.  When he takes the field on Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, Peterson will have the opportunity to watch someone who has parts of his fame.

Aug 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers running back

Melvin Gordon

(28) warms up prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

That man is rookie running back Melvin Gordon.  In this day and age in the NFL, drafting a running back in the first round has become almost taboo, but it happened twice in 2015 with two insanely talented prospects: Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley.  This wasn’t a mistake, as both these gentlemen have a huge upside.

According to ESPN.com, Adrian Peterson likes the young running back so much that he sees a bit of himself watching him.  In fact, he’s got nothing but praise for Gordon.

"“He’s got real nice feet. He runs physical, and he’s quick in between the tackles. I think maybe that’s why I like him so much, because he reminds me of how I would run the ball with the talent that I’ve been presented with.”"

Melvin Gordon does have the potential to be a stud in the NFL, but the San Diego Chargers are easing the young man into action.  In the first two games, he’s seen his carries increase from 14 to 16 and is averaging 4.6 yards per carry.  However, he faces a big challenge going up against a Minnesota Vikings team that held the Detroit Lions running backs to 18 yards total last week.

Adrian Peterson feels like Gordon’s downhill running is one things that sets him apart from others in the league though.

"“People are presented with so many different talents at the running back position, and they have different styles that they run with. Some guys are like a Barry Sanders or a [Darren] Sproles-type guy. [Gordon] runs the ball downhill, north and south. And that’s what I tend to like most.”"

With so many different kinds of running backs and styles of play, it’s interesting to see Adrian Peterson take a liking to Gordon.  When the two face off on Sunday, Peterson is anticipating meeting him.

"“I looking forward to meeting him this week as well. Hopefully he doesn’t do too much against us, of course. But I’m looking forward to meeting that young man after the game.”"

You can see Melvin Gordon and Adrian Peterson when the Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers face off on September 27, 2015.  Be sure to check your local listings for time, channel and availability.

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

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