Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings suffered a crushing loss against the Seattle Seahawks this afternoon in the Wild Card round of the NFC playoffs. They lost the game by a final score of 10-9, with Blair Walsh missing a 27-yard field goal that would have won the game in the closing seconds.
Despite the missed field goal, Peterson talked to the media and said that he holds himself responsible for the loss. He fumbled late in the game that gave the Seahawks their first lead of the game and also came up just short of recording a first down on the final drive for the Vikings.
“I felt a lot of responsibility [coming into the game]. A lot,” Peterson said. “We knew we were facing a tough defense; a fast, physical defense. Going back to the last play before the field goal, being an inch away from the first down, that haunts me. I’m sick about that. I hold myself responsible for this loss, as well.”
It is a very disappointing and crushing finish to what was an amazing season for Peterson in his comeback from a near season-long suspension. Peterson will now have to go into the offseason with this loss haunting him, although it could very well power him to work even harder to get back to this point next season.
Throughout the course of the 2015 NFL season, Peterson ended up carrying the football 327 times for 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns. Peterson won his third rushing title and regained his title of being the best running back in the league. He may not be there for too terribly much longer, as some believe that Todd Gurley is close to taking that title from Peterson.
Minnesota did take a step forward as a team this year, winning the NFC North division title with a Week 17 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Expect to see Peterson attack workouts this coming offseason in hopes that he can lead Minnesota back to this point next year. The Vikings certainly should have won the game and Peterson cannot blame himself fully for the loss and shouldn’t be too hard on himself.
