Vikings-Saints: Great backs are worlds apart

Adrian Peterson considers Reggie Bush a friend. The running backs spent time together this summer at Bush's home in Los Angeles.

"Some of his buddies were down from San Diego, and we just kicked it and had a good time for the weekend," Peterson said.

Each has great respect and admiration for the other, and they both strike fear in opposing defenses because of their big-play ability. But their styles, which will be on full display Monday when the Vikings play at New Orleans, could not be more different.

Peterson pounds defenses between the tackles (and on the edge, too), and has 420 rushing yards this season. Bush does his damage out in space, particularly when he catches check-down passes; he leads the NFL with 31 catches.

They were born 19 days apart, were top 10 draft picks and have become marketing stars early in their careers. But Peterson said he doesn't feel the need to outperform Bush, although he's aware of the juicy prime-time story line.

"When you watch TV and you see, 'Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings versus Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints,' it's already like that," Peterson said. "So that's how everybody is going to look at it anyway. ... It's a big stage and we both need a win. I'm just going to go out there and do what I can do."

For the first time in a few weeks, Peterson feels capable of reaching his peak performance again. A hamstring injury has limited his explosiveness, but he said Friday that his legs feel strong.

"The past two weeks I've been feeling good but I haven't been Adrian," he said. "I really feel like me being out there 90 percent, 95 percent, I can go out there and run full speed. As far as opening it up and really shifting to another gear, I haven't been there.

"I've been able to go out and get away from guys still so it hasn't affected my game. But me just being 100 percent, no tweaks, just feeling good, feeling fresh, like I felt when we started the season, it's a good feeling inside."

Bush seems to have regained his explosiveness after missing the final four games last season because of a knee injury. He has rushed for one touchdown, caught two TD passes and returned a punt for touchdown already this season.

"He's blessed," Peterson said. "He's definitely gifted. I respect his game, respect his style as a running back and I cheer for him. I look forward for him to do good."

Bush is most dangerous as a receiver. He has more yards receiving than rushing (257 to 183) and leads the league in yards after catch with 230. He is elusive enough to turn a routine play into a big one.

"It just so happens that [quarterback Drew Brees] checks the ball down to me if he doesn't feel like anything is open," Bush said. "I'm able to make plays if I'm in space or if I'm one-on-one with a linebacker."

Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said teams have tried covering Bush with a linebacker, a defensive back and at times with a double team when he leaves the backfield.

"He can make a lot of players in this league look foolish if you give him a little bit of space," Vikings coach Brad Childress said. "He has the ability to accelerate through the crack. They're attempting to get it to him in any way that they can, whether it be on quick screens outside, swing screens, throws down the field, check downs and handing him the ball as well."

Asked if he wishes he could be used in a similar fashion, Peterson said he doesn't believe that's even realistic.

"That would be like saying, 'Reggie, do you look at the Vikings and see how they pound Adrian up the middle? Do you think you could do like that too?' " Peterson said. "We're different backs. We have different games."