There aren't many things on the field that make Adrian Peterson look like an average football player.
Pass protection is one of those things.
Coach Mike Zimmer has said Peterson is taking that part of his job seriously and is working hard to improve in that area. Earlier today, Peterson was asked about his pass protection during his weekly press conference with reporters.
The question: What do you know about pass protection now that you didn't know when you came into the league? What have you learned about its importance?
Peterson thought about it for a few seconds and then reflected on what it was like when he came into the league in 2007.
"It was a little different for me, to be honest with you," he said. "You always hear coaches say, 'If you don't block, then you're not going to play.' I don't think I was the guy who fit that. If I didn't didn't block, I was still going to play. It was kind of was what it was.
"But you definitely learn that you want to protect the quarterback. Those guys are your prized possession. So just making sure during the week that you're doing your one-on-ones with your coach. That you're understanding what the defense is going to present to you with their schemes, their looks, and you're picking it up."
Peterson also admitted that Teddy Bridgewater's presence has helped him understand the importance of pass protection. Peterson and Bridgewater have played together for only the four games this season.