Adrian Peterson is a workhorse again.
The Minnesota Vikings' star running back has been effective far sooner than anyone expected after he came off his torn anterior cruciate ligament. His rushing averages aren't that far off from his career averages, and his receiving numbers actually are up.
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Peterson should only improve as the season wears on, so it's not a stretch to say he might be the best back in football this year. In fact, Peterson calls himself and teammate Percy Harvin the two best players in the NFL.
"I know talent," Peterson told Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune. "I can watch Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen and see the difference."
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Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder told the Chicago Tribune that Harvin might be the best player in the NFL. Peterson sounds a similiar note.
"There are two Jordans on this team. I'm not trying to be cocky. I'm just very confident in my abilities," Peterson said, calling Harvin the "best player" with whom he's ever suited up.
The Vikings have a nice balance of star players with a roster that has been greater than the sum of its parts. They've been one of the early stories of the season. Their two Jordans should keep them in the mix all year.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.