Packers Defense Sets Focus on Stopping Peterson

The Packers understand that stopping the Vikings offense Sunday, starts with keeping Adrian Peterson in check.

 "He's a monster," says defensive end Mike Neal.  There ain't no other way to put it."

 "He has the good vision; he can make you miss in space," says safety Morgan Burnett.

 "When you watch the film you can notice he's not looking to get hit; he's looking to deliver the blow."

 Peterson, a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, is averaging 5.8 yards per carry, and has put together five straight 100-yard rushing games.

 "It looks like a highlight reel when watch him on film," adds Neal.  "You know what you are getting when you get AP."

 Peterson leads the NFL in rushing with 1,236 yards, and has reached the end zone seven times.  It's hard to believe he can be this good only 11 months removed from major reconstructive knee surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL.  Peterson vowed not to miss a game, and he didn't which didn't go unnoticed in the Packers' locker room.

 "I tore my ACL my rookie year," says Burnett.  "What people don't understand is the rehab is the toughest part of the recovery.  There's a lot of hard work to put in.  You take your hat off to him knowing for him to come back that fast, and really not miss a beat."

 The Packers know it's hard enough trying to stop Peterson at full-strength, he has five career 100-yard rushing games against the green and gold.  It will be even more difficult Sunday now that Green Bay will most likely be without run-stopping specialist C.J. Wilson Sunday due to a knee injury. 

 Those who will be pegged to fill in for Wilson have heard the message on how to try and stop No. 28.

 "Gap sound up front on the D-Line," says Worthy when asked the keys to slowing Peterson.  "Also just getting as many guys to the ball as possible."

 He's going to run the football and break big runs," adds Neal.  "You just have to gang tackle him.  Everybody just has to be gap sound is one of the biggest things."

 Veteran defensive end Ryan Pickett has been slowed by a quad injury this week, but he says there's no way he can miss a chance to play 'AP' and the rival Vikings.

"It's exciting," Pickett says.  "I like playing against him.  It's a challenge.  He's the best; leading the league in rushing right now.  It's the Vikings. We don't like the Vikings, so it's extra pressure to get ready for this game."