Yesterday in the Twin cities, regular observers of the Minnesota Vikings were less impressed with the Vikes 34-14 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday night than they were angry at head coach Brad Childress’s decision to play Adrian Peterson right to the final gun, despite the fact he was obviously limping.
The argument seemed to be that Childress often won’t play Peterson right to the final gun when he’s healthy. In fact, there have been times this season when it appeared Childress had completely forgotten that the best back in the league even existed.
Then, on Sunday, Peterson was clearly banged up and yet, he was kept in the game.
This is a bigger deal than it might appear.
Steven Jackson was lost to St. Louis for five games after he was injured — for a second time — late in a meaningless game. Playing an injured Adrian Peterson with a big lead could have cost the Vikings the season – and Childress his job.
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