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After rushing for 212 yards against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, Adrian Peterson sits just 293 yards shy of Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards. Peterson has two games left to break that mark, so it's a feat that's certainly within reach.
However, Peterson and the Vikings have their eye on a bigger prize. Minnesota is currently in the thick of the NFC Wild Card race, and while the star running back would love to get the record, he knows that winning games is more important.
Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said that he and Peterson have talked about the situation and is not worried about anybody losing focus on what really matters (1500ESPN.com):
"Adrian and I were just talking a few minutes ago about that part of things and what we're trying to get accomplished," Frazier said. "That's to go out and get a win on the road in Houston. The record would be great. But the most important thing is to get a win in Houston.
"The fact that he feels that way will permeate through the rest of our team. He wants to really concentrate on winning this game, more so than the record. Our players are enthused by what he's been doing. It's been incredible to watch and they are pulling for him without question. I think every one of our guys knows the importance of winning this game. If the record comes that would be terrific, but the most important thing is to get a win."
Minnesota currently sits at 8-6, and if the playoffs started today, they would have the No. 6 spot in the NFC. Week 16's upcoming game against the Houston Texans will be a huge test, as the Texans sit atop the AFC at 12-2. Peterson will need to be on his 'A' game in order to pull off the upset.