... a goal for 2,000 yards rushing in a single season. He fell short of that mark by about 240 yards by gaining 1,760 on the ground.

He had it easy last season facing the 32nd ranked defense of the Detroit Lions and the 26th ranked Green Bay Packers twice. Both teams have upgraded their defense and it's unlikely either will finish in the same spot again.

The Bears on the other hand ranked fifth in rush defense last season and Peterson played them twice, rushing for 252 yards.

Overall in 2008, rushing defenses that Peterson faced ranked an average of 19th.

In 2009, Peterson will face rushing defenses that finished an average of 18th in 2008.

This season, he faces stiffer competition.

In back-to-back weeks, Peter...

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