Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was interviewed today on ESPN from the Pro Bowl in South Florida. Among the topics that came up were his fumbles. Peterson was charged with two in Sunday's loss to New Orleans in the NFC title game and also faulted himself for a third that happened on a bad exchange with Brett Favre. Peterson lost six of seven fumbles during the regular season.
Peterson finished the interview by picking New Orleans to win the Super Bowl.
Q. What are your thoughts about what happened on Sunday?
A. "Well, I really thought it was a hard fought game. We really didn't do the best job of crossing all our T's and dotting all our I's. Too many turnovers really cost us that game. But you have to give credit to New Orleans. Those guys fought through overtime and they came out with the win."
Q. You mentioned the turnovers and I know you shouldered the responsibility for that botched handoff in the red zone with Brett Favre. Although you're widely considered the best running back in the NFL people have made a lot of your tendency to put the ball on the ground. Is that something that concerns you and can you change that?
A. "No, it's not [anything] that really concerns me at all. It's something I look forward to working on more during the offseason. Especially with my running style, how I run so aggressive. The majority of time guys are hitting at the ball instead of trying to hit me. That's something that I'm just more aware of now and I'll do a better job coming into [next season]."
Q. Do you think Brett Favre will be back?
A. "It will be wonderful if he does come back. Obviously, he can still play the game. It's a long season and I'm sure there's wear and tear on his body. But I don't know. With Brett it's 50-50. We'd love to have him back for two years. I say that because maybe he'll hear that and think about one and it won't sound too bad. But I don't know, we'll see. We'll welcome him with open arms if he does."
