Adrian Peterson v. Chris Johnson

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Ridiculous numbers by CJ this year has closed the chasm that once was AD, then everybody else. Completely different backs but the production is pretty much the same.

These are each of their stats through their first 26 NFL games:

CJ: 3178 yards from scrimmage (2624 rushing, 554 receiving) 20 TDs

AD: 3014 yards from scrimmage (2652 rushing, 362 receiving) 22 TDs

I haven't seen a RB dominate like CJ has since Barry in '97. CJ's 6.4 YPC is the best seen by a RB in almost four decades.

I'd still take AD before CJ if I had to choose, but the gap is definitely closing.

Honorable mention to the horse down in STL. Impressive year by Jackson with no surrounding help whatsoever.

And what the hell is up with AD's fumbling? Who gives a fuck if he has a strong handshake if he can't hold on to the ball?

[dirk4mvp]

I would go with Chris Johnson. Every time he touches the ball it seems like it's going for 6.

[Will Hunting]

CJ gets the edge because AP fumbles too much.

[IronMexican]

I gotta go with CJ. You never really know what's going to happen once he touches the ball. It could be 6 waiting to happen.

[badfish22]

CJ for me.
Its close though.

[katyon6th]

Can't go wrong with either backs but I think ball security is the biggest deciding factor for me.

CJ wins.

[san antonio spurs]

how about blocking? You know that RB duties are not solely running. I think AD blocks better, picks the blitz better and this year has gotten better at receiving.
And I like his attitude better.
But CJ is entertaining, that's sure

[gaKNOW!blee]

How is CJ in pass protection tho? I saw Adrian Wilson come up and destroy him on one of the plays. That being said...still probably him because he can score from anywhere on the field.

EDIT: posted at same time as above ^

[Udokafan05]

I would take AP. CJ is great, more speed then power. AP has great power, and really good speed. Can't go wrong with either.

[760Spursfan]

CJ is playing like a beast this year. I would take CJ fo sho

[DBryant88]

CJ, he not afraid the ball is going to bite his hand

[vander]

interesting side note BSU played both these running backs in their final college game, they handled AP, but got obliterated by CJ, I still remember him getting the corner with such ease, he was sooooooo fast :(

[Blake]

Tough to say. I wonder how many times CJ would be touching the ball if Favre was under center.

I'd say the edge right now goes to CJ, but as with anything else, that could change in 3-4 weeks.

[dirk4mvp]

Rondo challenged Chris Johnson to a race. Wtf is he thinking?

[Chris]

Tough to say. I wonder how many times CJ would be touching the ball if Favre was under center.

I'd say the edge right now goes to CJ, but as with anything else, that could change in 3-4 weeks.

Pretty much what I was going to say. When Favre is throwing 40+ passes a game you're not going to see the same numbers AP was putting out last year. Also when you've got Young at QB you're not going to see as many linebackers blitzing and clogging the line of scrimmage when they are spying Young all game so the advantage definitely goes to CJ.

[2Cleva]

One of the reason Favre is throwing the short passes so much is because of AP's fumbling.

That said, CJ is getting 19.7 attempts. AP is getting 20.9 attempts.

Anyway you slice it - CJ is better.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

One of the reason Favre is throwing the short passes so much is because of AP's fumbling.

That said, CJ is getting 19.7 attempts. AP is getting 20.9 attempts.

Anyway you slice it - CJ is better.


This. They are both equally dangerous at receiving out of the backfield, they both have great offensive lines, and they both play defenses that consider them the player who needs to be shut down. At this point in time, CJ is simply better. He's put up better numbers this year, and didn't need to play the Browns, Rams, Seahawks, Bears and Lions twice in order to do so.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

I don't think anyone can honestly say that AD is having a better year than CJ.

Although, like I stated in the OP, I'd probably still take AD at this point. He has such a rare combo of size, strength, speed, vision and elusiveness.

[LOL texans]

CJ is awesome, but I'd still take AD over him.

[Blake]

One of the reason Favre is throwing the short passes so much is because of AP's fumbling.

That said, CJ is getting 19.7 attempts. AP is getting 20.9 attempts.

Anyway you slice it - CJ is better.

good point

[mojorizen7]

Well i'm obviously biased and going with my boy in St Louis. Defenses are putting 8 and 9 men in the box on just about every play and he's still getting his. The RAMS are running SJ on 1st down 96% of the time for fucks sake.....there's no need for opposing defenses to even gameplan.

If i had to pick between AP and CJ i'd give the edge to C.Johnson.