Peterson provides huge challenge

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Wednesday, Oct 31, 2007
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

When Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman ran into Vikings running back Adrian Peterson last summer in Los Angeles, the two-time Pro Bowler wished the rookie plenty of success and took a somewhat lighthearted jab at the former Oklahoma Sooner.

“I told him I was going to smack him in the mouth a couple times,” Merriman said with a sheepish grin. “He just kind of laughed it off a little bit. I think he knew I was kind of serious, but I respect his game. I really enjoy watching him play.”

Merriman will get an up-close look at Peterson Sunday as the Chargers travel to Minnesota, but he won’t have any time to watch. Peterson, who was selected seventh overall in April’s draft, leads the NFL in rushing with 740 yards and five touchdowns on the season. His play has caught the eye of many Chargers.

“I’m going to enjoy playing against him,” Merriman said. “I watched him since he was in college and now to watch him do the same things in the National Football League shows you that he’s already adjusted to the game. He’s already kind of the player everyone expects him to be.”

Complements for Peterson floated around the Chargers’ locker room Wednesday. Merriman praised his toughness. Shaun Phillips lauded Peterson’s speed. Other defenders were taken aback by his size, his vision and his well-rounded ability.

“He’s an explosive player,” LaDainian Tomlinson said. “He’s got size and he runs with some physicalness, but he’s explosive. That’s what sticks out in my mind. He hits the hole fast and he can take it all the way.”

“He’s probably the best back we’ll play all year, and that’s saying something for a rookie,” said linebacker Marques Harris. “He runs with great vision and really cuts well.”

Led by Peterson, Minnesota ranks second in the NFL in rushing, but they’ll be facing one of the league’s best at shutting down the run. The Chargers are giving up just 88.9 yards per game on the ground, the seventh best total in the NFL.

Several Bolts opponents have abandoned the run early, but those who have stuck to it haven’t found much success. The Raiders entered their Week 6 contest in San Diego as the NFL’s top rushing team but managed just 43 yards on 24 carries. The Chicago Bears stuck with the run in the season opener but managed 80 yard on 26 carries.

“Our front seven loves a good challenge, and we’re going to get one Sunday,” linebacker Stephen Cooper said. “We’ve got a good scheme. We just have to be disciplined, run to the ball and tackle well. We have to step up to that challenge.”

Merriman believes his team should prepare for an extremely physical game, one that will require his defense to do exactly what he told Peterson he was going to do this summer.

“We’ve got to hit him,” Merriman said. “You’re facing a good running back. You’re facing somebody that’s going to fight for every inch; that’s going to run as hard as he can every time he touches the ball. You’ve got to hit him and push him backwards.”

Donald Miralle, Getty Images North America

Jamal Williams and the Chargers' front seven will have their hands full Sunday with Adrian Peterson

	Wednesday: LaDainian Tomlinson After Wednesdays practice, RB LaDainian Tomlinson gives the media his thoughts on Vikings rookie RB Adrian Peterson. Play
	Wednesday: Philip Rivers Philip Rivers Wednesday talks about Sundays upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings and he also comments about "getting on the same page" with newly acquired WR Chris Chambers. Play
	Wednesday: Norv Turner Following Wednesdays practice, head coach Norv Turner talks about WR Chris Chambers role as well as the impact he has on the team and he gives an update on injured LB Shaun Phillips. Play
	Wednesday: Shawne Merriman LB Shawne Merriman talks to the media Wednesday about going up against Vikings rookie RB Adrian Peterson Sunday November 4 at Minnesota. Play
	Wednesday: Mike Scifres Wednesday punter Mike Scifres talks about receiving his first AFC Special teams player of the week award. Play