Fantasy owners playing in point-per-reception leagues, it's time to rejoice! “All Day†All reports out of Minnesota Vikings training camp indicate an increased role for AP as new offensive coordinator Norv Turner takes the reins. Turner has mentioned on numerous occasions that he views Peterson as a three-down workhorse back, adding that he would like for AP to get more looks in open space.
Likewise, he's praised Peterson’s ability as a receiver, disproving his skeptics. If Turner speaks the truth, Peterson’s more versatile role is quite the added value bonus to the league’s most talented running back. Moreover, Norv Turner’s history in coaching “workhorse backs†indicates that a dramatic uptick in Adrian Peterson’s responsibilities as a receiver is inevitable. Let’s take a look.
Norv Turner's Running Back History
For the purposes of the study below, we're only going to consider running backs with over 100 rushing attempts in a season. This will help to eliminate any skewed data and highlight only the running backs Norv Turner chose to trust with the brunt of the workload. Shown in the table are the rankings of each running back under Norv Turner in terms of receptions and Reception FantasyFootballCalculator.com.
For example, it will be all but impossible for Jamaal Charles to surpass the career highs set during his 2013 campaign. He's been fully utilized in every aspect by the Chiefs, who employed Charles as their leading receiver. Peterson, on the other hand, has leaps and bounds to grow before reaching his potential in the passing game. In Minnesota, there's little to no competition for running back work with the departure of Toby Gerhart, too.
One season removed from coming up nine yards short of the single season rushing record, Purple Jesus is as elite as it gets. He fits the mold that Norv Turner works wonders with: he's a gifted every-down back who can catch passes out of the backfield. Entering the season at age 29, there is a chance he could exceed LaDainian Tomlinson’s 2008 numbers, in which he placed fourth and seventh in receptions and Reception NEP respectively at the age of 29. A talent like Adrian Peterson’s is rare. An offensive coordinator who fancies elite running backs and pass-catchers alike is fantasy gold. Combine the two, and All Day is the guy you want on your fantasy squad.