Then there’s Adrian Peterson. Has a running back ever gone for over 100 yards with 3 T.D.’s and played worse? Because right now, the only thing he does “all day” is put it on the rug.
Look, every time a coach says it comes down to the turnover battle. Whoever takes care of the ball will win, I want jump out of a building. Problem is, it does come down to who takes care of the football. And A.P. doesn’t. And I’m not sure he ever will. You don’t think that everyone from Brad Childress to Eric Bieniemy to Brett Favre to Zygi Wilf to Prince haven’t told him that ball security is more important than breaking tackles?! You think he hasn’t been coached up on how to keep the rock high and tight?! He has! He knows how not to fumble. He’s just not doing it.
Fumbling is more psychological that physical. Almost no hit, strip, or ball rip can separate the guy from the ball if the guy is absolutely determined not to fumble. Perfect security beats a perfect strip every time. And without it, you have one of the most valuable players in the league and your home run threat on the bench because you’re afraid to give it to him.
Plus, considering how many of his teammates started putting it on the ground, you have to wonder if that disease is contagious? The Saints deserve credit for flying around and looking for the rip; they definitely coach that. But if this were the first time we saw this from Peterson, it would be one thing. But of course, it’s not. And it might not be the last! Because if anything, it looks like it’s getting worse.
