Peterson rewrites history
Vikings rookie RB sets single-game rushing mark vs. Chargers
The San Diego Chargers Antonio Cromartie scored a record-breaking 109-yard touchdown at the end of the first half of yesterday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
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But, by the end of the game, it was the Vikings’ exciting rookie running back Adrian Peterson who stole the show. After rushing for a mere 43 yards in the first half, Peterson exploded for 253 yards in the second half to establish the new single-game rushing record. His record-setting performance of an astonishing 296 yards included touchdown runs of 1, 64, and 46 yards, as the Vikings downed the Chargers, 35-17.
Peterson broke, by one yard, the previous record held by Jamal Lewis who rushed for 295 yards as a member of the Baltimore Ravens on September 14, 2003. Yesterday’s output marked the fifth 100-yard effort and the second 200-yard game in Peterson’s young career of just eight games. If he maintains the pace he is on, Peterson would not only shatter Eric Dickerson’s rookie record of 1,808 yards but he would also become just the sixth runner in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 yards in a single season.
Here's the chronology of record holders beginning with Hall of Famer Cliff Battles, who was the first player in NFL history to rush for 200 yards in a game.
|
Adrian
Peterson |
Jamal
Lewis |
Corey
Dillon |
Walter
Payton |
|
|
|
296
|
295
|
278
|
275
|
|
Date
|
Nov. 4, 2007
|
Sept. 14, 2003
|
Oct. 22, 2000
|
Nov. 20, 1977
|
|
Opponent
|
San Diego Chargers
|
Cleveland Browns
|
Denver Broncos
|
Minnesota Vikings
|
| 1st Quarter |
6-27, 1 TD (1)
|
10-118, 1 TD (82)
|
4-58
|
13-77
|
| 2nd Quarter |
7-16
|
6-62
|
5-19
|
13-67, 1 TD (1)
|
| 3rd Quarter |
8-107, 1 TD (64)
|
6-15
|
7-93
|
8-48
|
| 4th Quarter |
9-146, 1 TD (46)
|
8-100, 1TD (63)
|
6-108, 2 TDs (65, 41)
|
6-83
|
| Total |
30-296, 3 TDs
|
30-295, 2 TDs
|
22-278, 2 TDs
|
40-275, 1 TD
|
273 yds. - O.J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions, Nov. 25, 1976
250 yds. - O.J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots, Sept. 16, 1973
247 yds. - Willie Ellison, Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints, Dec. 5, 1971
243 yds. - Cookie Gilchrist, Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets, Dec. 8, 1963
237 yds. - Jim Brown, Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Rams, Nov. 24, 1957
237 yds. - Jim Brown, Cleveland Browns vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Nov. 19, 1961
233 yds. - Tom Wilson, Los Angeles Rams vs. Green Bay Packers, Dec. 16, 1956
218 yds. - Gene Roberts, New York Giants vs. Chicago Cardinals, Nov. 12, 1950
215 yds. - Cliff Battles, Boston Redskins vs. New York Giants, Oct. 8, 1933
Related links:
Eric Dickerson’s rookie season, 1983
Photo Gallery: Vikings runners | 1800-yard rushers
NFL.com Game Center: Vikings 35, Chargers 17
109 yards
Antonio Cromartie returned a missed field goal 109 yards to close out the first half against the Minnesota Vikings during Week 9 action.
Deacon Jones, Class of 1980
Jones, a member of the Rams "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line, visited the Hall of Fame on Nov. 2.