The Saints are raving about Adrian Peterson like he’s going to prove to the world how much the Vikings will miss him.
This is my 20th year covering the NFL. I’ve never heard players hype someone the way the Saints talked about Adrian Peterson on Thursday.
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) June 2, 2017
“He’s a stud, man. He looks the part,” said a laughing Drew Brees, via the Saints’ website. “It’s been impressive. Obviously you admire the guy from afar. I’ve played in a few Pro Bowls with him so I do have a little bit of that experience. But there’s something about handing the ball off to that guy and watching him run through the hole and taking on anybody that tries to tackle him.”
Like the Vikings, the Saints aren’t wearing pads during organized team activities so it’s impossible to say what Peterson will look like on the field in Sean Payton’s offense. But Brees has a pretty good idea of what to expect.
“Any time you can get him in space against a smaller DB, look out… good luck tackling that guy in the open field,” Brees said. “I think he’s going to be able to do some stuff in this offense that he hasn’t done over the course of his career just because we require some versatility from that position.”
Brees isn’t the only one raving about Peterson.
“I’m amazed,” left tackle Terron Armstead said, via the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “This dude is extremely blessed. He’s got so much left. You’ll see it.”
#Saints players absolutely gushing with praise over Adrian Peterson, admittedly risking too much hype. Armstead:"Never seen anyone like him"
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) June 1, 2017
“Everybody’s doubting him,” Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro told the Times-Picayune. “He’s 30 or whatever he is. Every clip is ‘Can A.P. still do it?’ Just wait. Y’all about to see for yourself. He’s going to be a factor.”
The Vikings will get the first look when they host Peterson and the Saints on Monday Night Football in Week 1.
