Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
The Associated Press
Minneapolis

Patriots clobber Vikings, with Adrian Peterson nowhere in sight

Matt Asiata is stopped by Jerod Mayo
Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata, left, in action against the Patriots on Sunday.
Ann Heisenfelt/AP

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

The face of the franchise was nowhere to be found as the Minnesota Vikings flailed away against the New England Patriots on Sunday, and it's not clear when, if ever, Adrian Peterson will rejoin them.

Previously:
 • No sign of Adrian Peterson on Sunday
 • Vikings star booked, released from Texas jail

The star running back was inactive for the team's home opener after being charged with child abuse for striking his 4-year-old son with a tree branch, a stunning development for one of the league's most popular and well-respected players.

For eight years Peterson has been the focal point of the Vikings offense, but on Sunday he stayed away from the stadium to avoid becoming more of a distraction.

Coach Mike Zimmer repeatedly declined to talk about Peterson after a mistake-filled 30-7 loss only to later describe an offensive malaise that he had previously not seen from his team.

"I told them after the game that's the first I've ever seen it," Zimmer said. "We've had bad practices and stuff, but I haven't seen it in three weeks maybe, guys just kind of milling around, getting lined up. I don't know, but I'm going to address it."

It's hard to imagine that it isn't rooted at least in some part to Peterson's situation. Matt Cassel threw a career-high four interceptions, the Vikings rushed for just 54 yards against a defense that gave up 191 last week and dynamic receiver Cordarrelle Patterson was held to just to just four catches for 56 yards.

Wearing a Peterson jersey
Ethan Trowbridge, 11, of Prior Lake, Minn., wears a Adrian Peterson jersey as he plays catch with his father outside TCF Bank Stadium before the game.
Carlos Gonzalez/Star Tribune via AP

"I think we were off a lot. I think it was just because 28 wasn't there," Patterson said, referring to Peterson. "We've got to learn how to not focus on 28 and just worry about this team with or without Adrian. So next week we've just got to come in and game plan without him. But if he's here, we really need him."

The Vikings (1-1) also had a field goal blocked and returned for a touchdown, went 4 for 11 on third down and allowed Stevan Ridley to rush for 101 yards and a score for the Patriots (1-1).

"It didn't affect the team," Zimmer insisted about Peterson's absence. "You know what affected the team? Throwing interceptions, getting a field goal blocked, not tackling well enough, having penalties on defense."

The former NFL MVP was indicted on Friday, booked and released from a Houston jail on Saturday.

In the wake of harsh criticism levied at the NFL when former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice initially received just a two-game suspension for knocking out his then-fiancee, the Vikings decided to deactivate Peterson.

Zimmer declined to discuss specifics and GM Rick Spielman was unavailable for comment. There was no timetable set for a decision on his status for next week's game at New Orleans.

In 2011, the Vikings suspended cornerback Chris Cook with pay after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and barred him from all team activities while his trial played out.

Cook wound up missing 10 games and was eventually acquitted. He never faced discipline from the NFL and played two more seasons with the Vikings before signing with the 49ers.

The NFL is looking into Peterson's case, and if convicted he could face a minimum six-game suspension under the league's new tougher domestic abuse policy that was implemented after Commissioner Roger Goodell admitted he botched Rice's initial punishment.

Peterson's attorney said his client was only disciplining his son, didn't intend to harm the boy and was cooperating with the investigation.

Even after the troubling allegations, there were still plenty of No. 28 jerseys on the backs of Vikings fans at the stadium.

"I don't think he was trying to abuse his child," said Nick Novak, a 29-year-old season-ticket holder from nearby Roseville. "I think he was trying to punish the child for wrongdoing. . He did cross a line though."

NOTES: Cassel completed 19 of 36 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown. ... Zimmer said he never considered going to backup Teddy Bridgewater and also said Cassel would start next week against New Orleans. ... Matt Asiata started in Peterson's place and rushed for 36 yards on 13 carries and caught a 25-yard TD pass. ... Chandler Jones had two sacks for the Patriots and returned the blocked field goal 58 yards for a TD just before halftime.