EDEN PRAIRIE - Coach Mike Zimmer on Monday shrugged off star running back Adrian Peterson’s postgame assertion that the Vikings were “outcoached” in Sunday’s 38-7 loss to Seattle.
“I don’t really worry about other people’s opinions,” Zimmer said. “I just worry about what I think.”
Peterson carried just eight times for 18 yards at TCF Bank Stadium. After the game, he said should have gotten more attempts.
“Probably should,” said Zimmer, whose Vikings play Thursday at Arizona.
Peterson was averaging 21.5 carries a game entering Sunday, but because the Vikings mostly abandoned the running game after falling behind 21-0 lead in the second quarter, Peterson was on the field for just 22 snaps.
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That was two less than backup Jerick McKinnon, usually a third-down back.
Peterson caught four passes, but those gained just six yards.
Peterson leads the NFL in rushing with 1,182 yards.
“Adrian’s a playmaker and he wants to have the ball in his hands,” said center Joe Berger. “I don’t think that’s a bad thing.”
Guard Brandon Fusco agreed. Fusco, though, said it was tough for Peterson to get his usual work load considering Minnesota’s deficit throughout the game.
“Adrian wants the ball, I understand that,” Fusco said. “He’s a heck of a player. He’s probably the best player in this league. He wants the ball in his hands to change a game, and we want that, too. But Norv (Turner) is a great (offensive coordinator), and he’s been around this game for a long time.”
