In May, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson invited outside observers to “sit back and watch” a team that he believes has “a good chance” to win the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.
On Wednesday, Peterson admitted that this isn’t the first time that he’s had such a feeling about a team as they prepared for a season. He stressed that he really feels it this time, however, and suggested the team part ways with anyone who doesn’t share his opinion.
“I always say that, but ... this year ... I really can see it,” Peterson said, via the Pioneer Press. “We have a long way to go, but we have the pieces and what it takes to accomplish that. There’s nothing wrong with saying it. If any other guy on this team doesn’t feel that way, then we need to be trading him and bringing somebody else in who feels that way as well. We all know what we’re trying to accomplish, and I feel like we have what it takes to accomplish that.”
The Vikings won the NFC North last season, addressed needs on the offensive line in free agency, picked up wide receiver Laquon Treadwell in the first round and feel that quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is growing as he enters his third NFL season. When you throw in a young and talented defense, that’s probably enough for most inside the organization to share Peterson’s optimism about the direction the team is headed in this season.
As always, however, execution will loom larger than belief when it comes time to play the games.
