<
>

NFC North Q&A: Will Adrian Peterson still lead the league in rushing at 31?

Today’s question: Adrian Peterson became the first 30-something running back in 11 years to win the rushing title last year when he posted 1,485 yards at age 30. Will Peterson do it again at age 31, or is the sun setting on “All Day”'s time at the top?

Rob Demovsky, Green Bay Packers reporter: No one beats Father Time, but if anyone can put him off for as long as possible, it’s Peterson. Here’s what makes me think he can keep it up: Look at his yards-per-carry average. Other than his 2,097-yard season of 2012, when he averaged an otherworldly 6.0 yards per attempt, he’s been consistently around the mid-to-high 4s his entire career -- 4.8 in 2008, 4.4 in 2009, 4.6 in 2010, 4.7 in 2011 and 4.5 in 2013 and last year. Maybe the Vikings will cut back on his attempts, but his production has been so steady for so long.

Jeff Dickerson, Chicago Bears reporter: Peterson is an athletic freak. There is no doubt he can win another rushing title at age 31. He missed almost an entire year dealing with legal issues and still rushed for 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015. Most teams have devalued the running back position, but Peterson is the exception. I predict he rushes for 1,000-plus yards until he’s 35. There is absolutely no sign he is beginning to wear down, and plus, the Vikings are now good. There will be less pressure on Peterson to carry the entire load by himself. I can envision Peterson rushing for 1,500 yards in 2016. He is still that dangerous.

Michael Rothstein, Detroit Lions reporter: Will he do it again this year? Sure. Does it happen after this season? Not quite. The year away from football could prove to be a big benefit to Peterson’s longevity since he was given a full year to let his body heal. Most running backs don’t get that. That could add some years to his career. But as the competition gets younger and he gets older, he’ll have more viable threats. That should come in 2017, a year where he still could be a 1,000-yard back, but not the league’s leading rusher. This year, though, just feels like another year where he puts up 1,200-plus yards and 10-plus touchdowns. That should put him in the top-2 or top-3 in the league.