When Adrian Peterson returned to action Sunday after a three-game absence, he expected his high left ankle sprain would be a target for over-eager defenders looking for an edge.
There's a line to that in-the-trenches type of gamesmanship, however, and the Vikings' all-world running back said the Saints crossed it. Peterson singled out cornerback Jabari Greer, whom he said twisted his ankle in the scrum following a second-quarter run during New Orleans' 42-20 victory.
"I came into the game kind of expecting that coming back from a high ankle sprain," Peterson said, according to The Times-Picayune. "Guys are going to try to take their shots when we're on the pile and try to twist it up and things like that.
"I felt like it kind of got overboard. I got up and kind of got in his face. Thank God I was able to keep my composure."
Peterson ripped off a game-high 39-yard run on the next play. He finished with 60 yards on 10 carries.
Peterson's accusations come one week after members of the Titans called Saints safety Roman Harper dirty for his play during the New Orleans' 22-17 win. The NFL fined Harper $15,000 for roughing the passer on a helmet-to-helmet hit in that game and another $7,500 for unnecessary roughness.
As of Monday, the Vikings haven't levied any accusations about rogue whistle-blowing on the Saints' sideline. Sean Payton should keep his Whistle Monster conspiracy theory sharp just in case.