Houston defense hopes to slow Peterson’s quest

HOUSTON — Adrian Peterson chose No. 29 for his high school jersey because he idolized Eric Dickerson growing up in Palestine, Texas.

Peterson switched to No. 28 in college when 29 wasn’t available. But he never stopped emulating Dickerson, and always hoped he could one day break his NFL singleseason rushing record.

With two regular-season games left, Peterson, who is just under a year removed from reconstructive knee surgery, needs 294 yards surpass the 2,105 yards Dickerson gained in 1984.

“I was always compared to Eric Dickerson being from Texas and his upright style of running or whatnot. It would mean a lot,” Peterson said of breaking the record. “He set a bar, something for running backs to chase and envision on

SETH PERLMAN / ASSOCI- Vikings running back Adrian Peterson needs 294 yards to surpass Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards set in 1984.