Weighty issue: Peterson, Childress at odds over RB's plan to bulk (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

I can't see this going well, and this is a rare instance where I agree with what Childress is saying. I am picturing Peterson like a big bulbous grimace this year on the field.

Any FBG recall other instances where a RB bulked up at this weight level and it failed? I will be clear that I don't worry about rookie RBs who enter the league gaining a few pounds, as they are still usually maturing. I also don't worry about RBs in the 195 lbs to 210 lbs. range gaining a few extra pounds to bulk up as a measure to help survive the pounding in the NFL

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8...mp;confirm=true

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Adrian Peterson wants to pack on more pounds.

The NFL's reigning rushing leader was plenty beat up by the end of last season, and he wants to play the 2009 season with 225 to 230 pounds on his 6-foot-1 frame. He's currently at 217 pounds, and his plan is to bulk up during the spring and summer as a test.

"Just to see how I feel," Peterson said. "Before the season starts, I look forward to having my weight up so I'll be able to see how it is when I run and cut and do things like that."

Peterson said he doesn't believe extra pounds will hamper his speed and agility, but Vikings coach Brad Childress isn't so sure.

"Well, you know what? 230 is awful big," Childress said Wednesday. "From 17 to 30, just put a 10-pound sack of potatoes on your back and think of how that works for you."

Peterson first talked about gaining weight at the Pro Bowl in February, tossing a challenge toward Minnesota's NFC North opponents: "I don't think too many guys would be excited to see me at 230 two times a year."

Speaking to reporters Tuesday night in St. Paul, where the Minnesota Wild played the Dallas Stars in the first hockey game he has ever attended, Peterson expressed excitement about the beginning of the Vikings' offseason strength and conditioning program this week. It's not contractually required, but typically about 90 percent of the players on the roster are present.

"I'm going to continue to work out," Peterson said. "Now is the time of year to really get down and dirty and really start pumping it, so that's what I'm focusing on right now."

Childress wasn't trying to discourage his star running back from getting stronger, but the coach expressed concern about Peterson losing stamina by becoming heavier.

"I think naturally he'll add good weight as he goes through his career, but I think just adding weight to say, 'I'm going to get 10 pounds heavier,' probably doesn't have a lot of merit to it," Childress said, adding: "I'm thinking he's probably not going to get to 230, nor does he want to be at 230, and I would have no trouble telling him that."

The Vikings are working out in three groups, and the early morning gang was made available to the media inside the team's practice facility after conditioning drills. Defensive tackle Kevin Williams was among them, and he briefly addressed his still-pending four-game suspension under the NFL's anti-doping policy. His case, along with that of teammate Pat Williams, will be heard in court in June.

"I just hope the right thing is done," Kevin Williams said. "That's all we can do. We'll take it from there. ... Our mind-set is we'll be ready when the season kicks off."

 

[TwinTurbo]

At 217, adding 10lbs is not a big deal as long as it's muscle. Another 5% body weight. He could be stronger and still just as fast. The sack of potatoes analogy by Childress is not very accurate unless he's adding 10lbs of krispy kreme donut weight.

 

[BuckeyeArt]

It depends on where he adds the weight. If it goes in his legs, it probably helps. If he adds to his upper body, he's carrying that sack of potatoes

 

[Kirby]

"From 17 to 30, just put a 10-pound sack of potatoes on your back and think of how that works for you."

Well that's pretty ignorant.

 

[Faust]

At what point does a potential weight gain compromise the following:

Speed
Agility
StaminaIt also depends on how the weight gain is achieved.

 

[ravnzfan]

I think you also have to consider what happens to a RB's weight over the course of an NFL season...I seriously doubt that the Jan 1 weight of a player is the same as Sept 1---maybe Peterson found that starting the season 217 had him down to 210 some crunch time the last 1/4 of the season, and that a little more bulk would help him hold up better over the riggors of the entire 16 game schedule?

...and Childress needs to remember Chester Taylor is no slouch when it come to spelling ADP for a series or 2/half--be greatfull there, coach

 

[Warhogs]

I have seen ADP play quite a bit in the NFL now and he is such a punishing runner that I am not too concerned about the idea of him trying to add that weight. I think his frame looks like it could handle that weight without a huge drop in speed or agility.

 

[TitusIII]

RB's are on borrowed time, for the most part, so if Peterson thinks this will lower the already high risk of injury, so be it. I don't think there is a "right" choice in this matter. Will it make him a better RB? If it slows him down at all, I don't think so...

 

[Winning IS Everything]

"From 17 to 30, just put a 10-pound sack of potatoes on your back and think of how that works for you."Well that's pretty ignorant.

My thought exactly. It is nothing like carrying a sack of potatoes. If done right and if he can keep the speed/cutting ability this could be a good move for him.

 

[bcr8f]

I hope he goes up to 350.

 

[Jail]

Oh man. I just don't understand why he'd want to mess with perfection.

I feel like I remember Portis bulking up one year and struggling the following year with nagging injuries. Was it in 2006? Can't remember, but I think it was.

Anyway, I just don't think its a good idea. Seems kind of silly to me to think that adding 10-15 lbs of weight to your body won't slow you down. Actually, it sounds a bit arrogant to be honest. The potato sack analogy is over the top, but I think he was just trying to make a point.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I think even six pounds could make him a little sturdier and let him maintain his speed. At 230 I don't see him keeping his special "ADP Gear." He'd still be fast, though.

 

[bcr8f]

I think even six pounds could make him a little sturdier and let him maintain his speed. At 230 I don't see him keeping his special "ADP Gear." He'd still be fast, though.

Maybe maybe not. Maybe he ran at that rate once and thinks he can in the NFL. He had enough drive and power as it was. Seems dumb.