I found Peterson's attitude refreshing. Benson is not the only one who could benefit from this kind of outlook on the season.
Forgotten Bear carrying on fine
Peterson relishes role on special teams
By John Mullin
Tribune staff reporter
Published October 25, 2006, 9:37 PM CDT
No one would blame Adrian Peterson if he were wondering, "Remember me?"
About this time last season, the fifth-year running back was taking over after injuries had felled Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones, leaving Peterson the only operational tailback in the second half of the game against the San Francisco 49ers. The Bears needed Nathan Vasher's 108-yard return of a missed field goal for a 7-3 halftime lead in that game.
E-mail this story
Printable format
Search archives
RSS
In the second half all they needed was Peterson, who finished with 120 yards on 24 carries, including one for 7 yards and a touchdown.
"It was a great game," Peterson said. "First, we got the win. And I got a couple of carries, which is always a good thing. As a tailback, that's what you like, carries. And I got a lot."
Not this year. Peterson's 5.1 yards per carry was the best by a Bears tailback last season, and he has a higher career rushing average (4.7 yards) than either Benson or Jones.
But he has had just one carry for 1 yard in 2006—in Week 2 against Detroit—and no receptions.
"I figured it was going to be like this," Peterson said. "But the way I look at it, I get to contribute on special teams."
Peterson leads Bears special-teamers with 11 tackles. He has forced two fumbles.
"You never know," Peterson said. "That's life. But nowhere else I'd rather be. Nowhere. Six-and-0, I'm healthy and having fun. And there's a lot of people who'd rather be me and be here."
jmullin@tribune.com
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
