Adrian runs past everyone but Dickerson

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Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is lifted by teammate Jamarca Sanford after leaving the field against the Green Bay Packers Sunday. Peterson didn't catch Eric Dickerson's rushing record, but he did set up the winning field goal. (ELIZABETH FLORES / TRIBUNE MEDIA MCT)

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Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier watches the action in the second quarter at the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday, December 16, 2012, in St. Louis, Missouri. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the St. Louis Rams, 36-22. (CARLOS GONZALEZ / TRIBUNE MEDIA MCT)

MINNEAPOLIS -- Adrian Peterson ran right past everyone this season. Past all those running backs before him who couldn't make it to 2,000 yards in a season. Past every doubter who dared to think he wouldn't make it back from a devastating knee injury.

Past everyone except Eric Dickerson.

Peterson became the seventh player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, plowing through the Green Bay Packers for a 20-yard gain that put him over the top in the third quarter Sunday. He finished with 199 yards and a touchdown in the 37-34 victory, leaving him nine yards shy of breaking Dickerson's single-season record.

"Ultimately we got the 'W,"' Peterson said after carrying the ball a career-high 34 times. "We said during the week, if it happens, it happens. Don't focus on it."

Peterson needed 208 yards when the day began to break Dickerson's record of 2,105 yards set in 1984. His 26-yard run late in the fourth quarter set up Blair Walsh's winning field goal, a kick that clinched a playoff berth for the Vikings. He'll have to settle for the second-best total -- 2,097 yards -- and a trip to Lambeau Field for a playoff rematch next Saturday night.

"I know Eric Dickerson is feeling so good right now," Peterson said with a chuckle, referencing public comments from Dickerson a few weeks back saying he hoped Peterson didn't break his record. "But God willing, I'll get it next year."

Even without the record, his remarkable comeback season now has a magic number to punctuate it.

Peterson came in 102 yards shy of joining O.J. Simpson, Dickerson, Barry Sanders, Terrell Davis, Jamal Lewis and Chris Johnson in the 2,000-yard club. Peterson is the only one to do it after reconstructive knee surgery, and he did it on the one-year anniversary of his knee surgery.

"Congrats to (Adrian) Peterson on becoming the 7th member of the 2K club," Johnson tweeted, "now let's see who can run down ED."

"He is without question the best running back in our game and truly, in my mind, the MVP of our league," Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said. "We don't win this game without Adrian Peterson."

The Vikings punted a few plays after Peterson's big run, and the crowd gave him a standing ovation when the achievement was announced. Peterson took it all in stride, waving politely, but otherwise not making anything special out of it in a game the Vikings needed to win to make the playoffs. He simply didn't have time to reflect on the arduous path it took for him to get there after tearing the ACL in his left knee.

It was only last December when Peterson crumpled to the turf in Washington, two ligaments torn, leaving many to wonder if his career would ever be the same.

Well, it hasn't been.

Peterson vowed from the very beginning to return better than ever from an injury that has ended the careers of so many before him. There weren't many believers, including in his own locker-room.

But a combination of uncommon genetics, unshakable determination and a smart rehabilitation plan from Vikings athletic trainer Eric Sugarman had Peterson back in the starting lineup on opening day.

-- The Associated Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 31, 2012 C5