Monday Morning Quarterback Special: Player Of The Week

Rumblin', bumblin', stumblin' his way for 296 rushing yards setting an NFL single-game record. His name is Adrian Peterson and get used to these numbers because he won't be stopping anytime soon. Quickly emerging as the top Rookie of the Year candidate and the steal of this year's draft at the 7 spot, Peterson is using the explosiveness that set him apart in college to tear apart rushing defenses across the national football league.

Just look at these gaudy numbers from Adrian's three years as a Sooner. His freshman season, he pounded the rock for almost 2,000 rushing yards and hit paydirt with 15 touchdowns. His next season as a sophmore, Peterson rushed for less, but put up an astronomical amount of touchdowns, 84 to be exact. His final year as a Sooner, the big man compiled a little over a 1,000 yards and 12 TDs on a weak Sooners team that never really contended.

Those college stats are pretty darn good for any running back. To be able to translate that kind of production to the NFL right away and at a record pace is what makes this astonishing. The same techniques he used in college are now working in the most premier league of football against players being paid millions to make a few tackles every game. Over his first eight games as an NFL rookie he already has over a 1,000 yards rushing. He now owns the single-game rushing record and he is on pace to take a lot more records before his time is done.

Since I started watching the game of football, I have not seen the same explosiveness and ability to take it to house play in and play out since Barry Sanders was carrying the rock for the Lions. Peterson has the natural talent and work ethic to succeed the "Big 3" of Emmit, Payton, and Sanders. He is only a rookie and has many years left to play. The Vikings might not be the best team in the league, but their offensive line is stacked. Do not be surprised to see this kid on highlight reels every week until he retires as a professional football player. This is what makes Adrian Peterson my pick as Player of The Week and I look forward to writing about him as the weeks pass.