September 12th, 2014 
Nat Jordan 
Posted in On Friday afternoon, news broke that Adrian Peterson had been indicted on child abuse charges in Texas. Through his attorney, Peterson admitted to repeatedly whipping his son with a switch.
The Vikings announced that they would deactivate their star running back for Sunday’s game at home against New England. He could be out for much longer, as the NFL just introduced a new domestic violence penalty for a first offense, a six-game suspension. There’s also the issue of possible jail time, but Peterson’s trial would likely begin in the offseason.
This all raises the question, what does Minnesota do without their best player?
There are two options at running back: Jerick McKinnon was a 4th round pick in 2014. Matt Asiata had been in and off the practice squad before being promoted to backup running back last year. Obviously, both are a significant downgrade from Peterson, but it’s all the Vikings have got.
McKinnon was drafted with the idea that he would become the primary third down back that Peterson isn’t. He hasn’t been that impressive, but has shown flashes with his blinding speed and quickness. He needs to work on his field vision and breaking of tackles. I wouldn’t be surprised if Norv a Turner worked in some plays to get McKinnon to the edge against New England, where he can pick up yardage. Asiata is probably better between the tackles, but McKinnon can be used as a receiver out of the backfield as well as a running back.
It should be noted that McKinnon tweeted “Overcoming adversity is what makes you great! My big bruh and mentor AP is certainly that and no doubt he will overcome this too!”
Asiata figures to be the Vikings’ first option at running back this week. Last season, he gave the impression that he was just a goal-line back good for a yard or two against Philadelphia. He had 31 one touches for 51 yards, but also had three touchdowns.
Against Detroit, he showed the running back he is capable of being, with 14 carries for 115 yards. Vikings fans would be extremely satisfied with that performance on Sunday vs. the Patriots.
Asiata came into camp looking lighter and speedier. Now, it’s his chance to shine. Asiata isn’t a bad blocker or pass catcher, but he’s just not a very evasive runner.
Joe Banyard could be promoted from the practice squad as the third running back. Although he looked good in the preseason, don’t expect him to touch the ball much, if ever.
Norv Turner has a lot on his hands without the centerpiece of his offense. Look for Turner to spread the ball around with screens, reverses and short passes out of the backfield. There probably won’t be a lot of run plays between the tackles with the absence of Peterson.
Still, Asiata is capable of being an alright running back and can perform decently on Sunday.
So how did becoming the first all-homosexual team in NFL work out fer ya last year?
I’m also gay, but I prefer to have a few heteros around me — especially when I reach under my center’s balls.
It’s just too tempting…
You, sir, are MUCH MORE THAN A SORRY ASS TROLL. BUT, what you REALLY ARE, is MUCH TOO VULGAR to be allowed to post here.
Ideally, I would absolutely LOVE to meet you in a dark alley somewhere…ANYWHERE, and beat the ever loving SHIT out of you.
You pecker-head, cheesehead MF’s all need a BULLET BETWEEN YOUR EYES. The world would be SOOOOOO MUCH BETTER OFF WITHOUT ANY OF YOU!!
SKOL VIKINGS, YOU SON-OF-A-BITCH!
YOu know where to find me, buddy, I’ve got the BIG NUMBER 12 on my green and gold shirt.
Don’t you wish. Discount double-choke. Wonder what you’re chokin’ on??? LMAO!