There’s a reason why players play and coaches coach. While I marvel Adrian Peterson’s competitiveness and enthusiasm, the stunt he pulled in the fourth quarter of the Vikings’ 28-27 win over the Packers on Sunday was ridiculous.
With Green Bay up 24-21 and Minnesota facing a 4th and 1 from their own 41-yard line, Peterson started screaming at head coach Brad Childress to go for it. The spineless Childress obliged, Peterson wound up fumbling on the play and the Packers eventually turned the gift into a field goal to go up 27-21.
Granted, Peterson saved the game and perhaps Minnesota’s season when he busted off a 29-yard touchdown run with just over 2 minutes remaining to put the Vikes up 28-27, but he needs to leave the decisions up to Childress and Minnesota’s coaching staff. And Childress needs to grow a pair and tell Peterson that he makes the calls. Going for it in that situation with that much time on the clock was a bad decision. But Childress should be allowed to screw up without Peterson in his face.
On a lighter note, this was a massive win for the Vikes, who are now tied with the Bears atop the NFC North at 5-4. While they still look shaky at times, Minnesota is right back in it despite a slow start to the season.
Conversely, this loss really stings the Packers. Mason Crosby missed a 52-yard field goal that could have won the game in the end. They’re still 2-1 in the division, but next week is huge as they host the Bears.
Side Note: Will Blackmon’s 65-yard punt return for a touchdown was absolutely sick. Watch the highlights if you haven’t seen it already.
