New Orleans Saints players got to see Adrian Peterson on the field in person during organized team activities, and the reviews on the future Hall of Fame running back are in: Two thumbs WAY up.
"He's a stud, man. He looks the part," Saints quarterback Drew Brees said, via ESPN's Mike Triplett. "There's something about handing the ball off to that guy and watching him run through the hole and take on anybody who tries to tackle him."
The quarterback wasn't the only one praising Peterson. Many other players saw the same thing from the specimen in shorts.
"It's ridiculous. He has not lost any steps," safety Kenny Vaccaro added. "Wait, just watch. He's so explosive ... just in flat shoes out there," said Vaccaro, who admitted that he probably sounded like a "manager" for the 32-year-old running back, who is coming back from a torn meniscus that limited him to three games last season with the Minnesota Vikings.
The biggest challenge for Peterson -- outside of returning healthy after playing in just three games last season -- will be accepting he's part of a crowded backfield with Ingram and rookie pass-catcher Alvin Kamara.
It's easy to assume Peterson will be relegated to a first- and second-down role, and when he's on the field the Saints will run the ball. All Day isn't known for his pass-catching acumen, nor his pass-protecting in the past. Still, Brees believes the Saints will use Peterson differently than the Vikings did.
"We do a lot with our backs. So I think he's gonna be able to do some stuff in this offense that maybe he hasn't done ... over the course of his career, just because we require some versatility from that position," Brees said. "Any time you can get him in space against a smaller DB, kind of 'look out.' Good luck tackling that guy in the open field."
With all the praise heaped upon Peterson this offseason, it's safe to wonder what Ingram is thinking and how the incumbent will respond to having his touches sliced.
