Peterson’s performances stick out

Players say nobody wants to win like Adrian Peterson, and the star running back had another big day for the Vikings to overtake the NFL rushing lead. After a 192-yard performance, he has 1,015 for the year.

Adrian Peterson had six 100-yard rushing performances in the Vikings’ first eight games this season, but none were as memorable as the two breakout games Peterson had last season as a rookie.

In a four-game stretch in 2007, Peterson set the Vikings’ single-game record with 224 yards rushing in a victory at Chicago and then he broke the NFL single-game rushing record on Nov. 4 by going for 296 yards in a victory over San Diego at the Metrodome.

Peterson added to that collection of standout performances Sunday in the Vikings’ 28-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome. He rushed for 192 yards on 30 carries, a 6.4-yard average, caught three passes for 33 yards and ran 29 yards for the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.

His 192 yards were the fourth most in Vikings history, giving him three of the franchise’s top four rushing games. Chuck Foreman is No. 3 on the list with a 200-yard effort against Philadelphia in 1976.

“I would say it is (my biggest game),” Peterson said of his effort Sunday. “First win against Green Bay, first win for coach (Brad) Childress (against Green Bay). It was a big game for all of us. I’m just so excited.”

Peterson’s big day helped the Vikings improve to 5-4 and put them atop the NFC North with the Chicago Bears. The Packers are now 4-5 and Childress is 1-5 against them since taking over in Minnesota in 2006. In reality, the Vikings are one game behind the Bears because they lost at Chicago. The teams will meet again Nov. 30 at the Metrodome.

Before Minnesota gets to that game, it will have back-to-back road games in Florida. Sunday, the Vikings will play Tampa Bay and Nov. 23 they will travel to Jacksonville.

While Peterson appears to be hitting his stride, the Vikings have been getting some heroic performances on the defensive side of the ball. Jared Allen played Sunday despite suffering what he said was a grade-3 sprain of the AC joint in his right shoulder a week before. That is the most severe injury on a one-to-three grade system and can keep players out for two to four weeks.

Allen not only played against the Packers but had a sack that forced a safety on Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “I’ll be back next year. The one thing that’s slowing me down right now is my feet kind of being slow, a lot of the treatment that’s going on. But everything will be just fine. I don’t see myself not being a part of this team next year.” — DE Kenechi Udeze, who is sitting out this season after undergoing a bone marrow transplant last July after he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in February. Udeze attended Sunday’s game and served as an honorary captain for the Vikings.

BY THE NUMBERS: 2 — Safeties by the Vikings in their victory over Green Bay on Sunday, a total that tied a team record set on Oct. 5, 2003 against the Atlanta Falcons. The Vikings now have three safeties this season, which ties a team mark set in 1981 and 1965.

NOTES

WR Bernard Berrian did not have a catch in a game for the second time this season in Sunday’s victory over Green Bay. Berrian also was shut out in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts. Entering the Packers game, Berrian had caught a touchdown in four consecutive contests.

WR Robert Ferguson was inactive for a second consecutive game Sunday and his time with the Vikings might be nearing an end. Ferguson reportedly has asked to be released, although it’s not certain if that will happen.

CB Charles Gordon suffered what was initially diagnosed as a dislocated left ankle on Sunday and is expected to be out for the remainder of the season. Gordon suffered the gruesome injury on a punt return and is expected to undergo surgery. His loss is a big one for the Vikings, who had used Gordon in their nickel package. Benny Sapp likely will take over in that role.

WR Aundrae Allison likely will inherit the punt-return role with Charles Gordon lost because of the injury. Allison is averaging 7.1 yards on eight punt returns this season. Gordon averaged 4.4 yards on 15 returns (with 11 fair catches) before his injury.

RB Chester Taylor continues to be a key contributor as a reserve. Taylor has been especially valuable in third-down situations. Sunday, he rushed for only 29 yards on 10 carries but had a team-leading four receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown.