Lots of Speculation

There have been plenty of conversations lately about Brett Favre’s supposed “December Wall” and Adrian Peterson’s fumbling problems. I have heard the same two minute dialogue over and over about Favre’s recent collapses in December. I’ve also heard this non-stop talk about Peterson’s fumbling problems. Some people are going as far as saying Peterson should be benched for a quarter or a half if he fumbles again. I only have one thing to say about these speculative ideas.

Are you crazy? I’ll start with the Adrian Peterson issue first as it’s the one that seems to be the biggest concern among fans and members of the media. If you really think that benching Peterson for more than a series is going to solve his fumbling problems, then you need to re-think how you evaluate football decisions. I get the concern, because over his short career, he’s fumbled about once every 44 rushing attempts losing possession about once in every 69 attempts. Let me lay some numbers on you real quick from the first 4 seasons of some RBs you may recognize. Walter Payton fumbled about once every 34 rush attempts. Eric Dickerson fumbled about once in every 30 attempts. OJ Simpson fumbled about once in every 31 attempts. I could go on, but why?

My point is that young RBs, even superstars, fumble the ball. They’re young, used to being able to blow by everyone they played against in college, and so they are used to having no concern about being caught from behind or having the ball punched out. All of this considered, you do not bench one of the best players in the league because he makes a mistake. You sit him out for a series, if necessary, as the Vikings did last week after one of Peterson’s fumbles. That’s the right decision, especially when you consider that the backup is a viable starter on close to 10 of the teams in the league.

Another scenario, however, was being talked about as well. What if the Vikings were up by less than a field goal with 5 minutes left in the game. Would you sit Adrian and let Chester take the load then? That situation is arguable and I would agree with either choice the coaching staff makes. That’s a judgement call based on statistics. You sure don’t want to bench your star players, but if one of them may cost you the game, it’s possible you may put in Taylor. This is one of those topics that is hot among Minnesota fans and I think there are arguents for both sides. But, I think you are crazy if you say bench Adrian Peterson without a scenario such as the one I just stated. You keep playing the same way regardless, because it’s what has gotten you to 10-1. Remember, without Adrian Peterson forcing defenses to load the box, Favre may not be having the season he’s having and the Vikings may not be 10-1.

The Favre wall is a great topic and one that I’m somewhat clueless as to how I feel about it. I’ve noted before his collapse last season with the Jets. He went 8-3 in the first 11 games and there were talks about the Jets not only being the best team in the league but also Favre being the leading MVP candidate. But, we also know that he was hurt last year and played hurt through the end of the season. At this point, we have to take Coach Brad Childress’ word that Favre is feeling great with no pain at all in that throwing shoulder. He’s taken great caution in taking Favre out in games in which the Vikings were safely ahead in the 4th quarter. I think a lot will be said in this next Sunday’s game about whether or not this “December Wall” is an actuality or a statistical anomaly centered around late-season injuries during the past few seasons.

That’s all for now folks! Enjoy the Saturday and look for my Game Preview coming soon.

Tags: Adrian Peterson, Brad Childress, Brett Favre, Chester Taylor, NFL, Vikings