After facing injuries and off-field legal battles in the past two seasons, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is back scoring his first touchdown since 2013 in Sunday's 31–14 victory over the San Diego Chargers.
Peterson, whose second son was born before Sunday's game, listed his first touchdown since 2013 during the second quarter and helped Minnesota put the game away with a highlight reel play for his second touchdown in the third.
The 2012 Most Valuable Player (MVP) believed he had a subpar performance the week before against the Detroit Lions and worked hard during practice.
Peterson's effort paid off against San Diego as he had 20 carries for 126 yards and his first two touchdowns of the 2015 season.
Up by three entering the second quarter, Peterson rushed for two yards to score his first touchdown.
Peterson's second touchdown in the third quarter saw a familiar site as he evaded defenders for a 43-yard touchdown that drew loud cheers from the home crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium.
"My legs felt lighter today and just the preparation throughout the week helped with that, but I felt good," Peterson said following the win, according to the team's website.
Peterson added, "The body felt good. My mind was in a great place, and yeah, I think I'm back."
The two touchdowns he scored tied him with former Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss for the second-most touchdowns in franchise history with 93.
Peterson is 17 touchdowns away from tying the record for the most touchdowns in Vikings history held by Hall of Famer Cris Carter who has 110.
The emergence of the former MVP is huge for the Vikings who have won their second consecutive this season after beating the Chargers.
Minnesota has not made it to the playoffs in the past two seasons and with the leadership of Peterson, the team hopes they can end that absence.
