Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson named NFC Offensive Player of the Month, enters MVP race

It’s no secret what the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive philosophy is. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner has made it clear that establishing the rushing attack with Adrian Peterson is the top priority.

Thus far, it appears to be working pretty well.

According to this release from the Minnesota Vikings official website, Peterson was recently named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for November after recording 634 rushing yards on 117 carries (which turns out to be 23 carries for 126 yards per game) and five touchdowns. Additionally, Peterson helped lead the Vikings to a 4-1 record in November and claim the top spot in the NFC North division.

This is Peterson’s second NFC Offensive Player of the Month award, with his first coming in December 2012 when he ran for an astronomical 861 yards in the month alone to help will the Vikings to a wild-card playoff spot.

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Peterson becomes the first Viking since Daunte Culpepper to win two NFC Offensive Player of the Month awards, as Culpepper won the award in both September 2003 and October 2004.

Through 11 games, Peterson has amassed a league-leading 1,164 rushing yards on 237 carries and recorded an additional 183 receiving yards. His 1,347 scrimmage yards are also leading the NFL.

With the way Peterson has absolutely carried this offense for well over half of the season, is it time to talk about Peterson in the NFL MVP race?

If we’re going off the literal definition of most valuable player, a pretty solid case can be made for Peterson. Minnesota’s passing offense ranks 31st in the NFL, yet the consistently put up enough points to win games.

Of course, much of that credit goes to Mike Zimmer’s defensive unit, but Peterson’s success on the ground is also keeping the defense off the field for large chunks of time. If you ask me, it’s tough for a defense to allow points if they’re not on the field, and Peterson’s ability to wear defenses down plays a big role in the time of possession battle each week.

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Do I think Peterson has a real chance to win the MVP award? No, not at all. Tom Brady and Cam Newton have separated themselves far ahead of the rest of the pack and, barring something miraculous, one of them will probably win it.

However, I’d label Peterson in contention for the MVP, possibly fourth behind Carson Palmer. As I’ve stated before on this site, the Vikings have had serious success when Peterson gets a high-volume of carries, and the stats back up that claim. Minnesota is 8-0 this season when Peterson carries the ball 19 or more times, and 0-3 when he has less than 19 carries. Moreover, when quarterback Teddy Bridgewater throws for less than 200 yards, the Vikings are 6-0.

Are you noticing a trend here?

To simplify it, more Adrian Peterson equals more wins.

Next: Vikings LB Anthony Barr playing with broken hand

And if we’re talking about the most valuable player in the NFL, a player as influential on his team’s success should at least be mentioned in the discussion. To not mention him would be to evaluate the MVP award in an incorrect manner.

Stay tuned to Sporting Sota for a preview of this Sunday’s big NFC clash between the Minnesota Vikings and the Seattle Seahawks.