Adrian Peterson Has a Weird New Grievance
As of late, most Adrian Peterson headlines are nefarious for legal purposes, but this week, he sounded off on a game between the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams, claiming Falcons tailback Bijan Robinson should’ve been allowed to pursue 200 rushing yards while sitting on 195.
Adrian Peterson questioned why Atlanta didn’t lean into Bijan Robinson late, suggesting a realistic 200-yard rushing day was left underpursued.
Some had to do a double-take while listening to Peterson’s grievance, as it was so petty, but the man was serious in the end.
Adrian Peterson Questions Atlanta’s Handling of Bijan Robinson
Peterson is unhappy with the Falcons’ out-to-lunch coaching staff.
No 200 Yards for Robinson Agitates Peterson
In an upset over the Rams, Robinson logged 22 carries for 195 yards and 2 total touchdowns. But Peterson noticed the five-yard gap between 195 and 200.
He said in a video posted on social media: “Towards the end of the game, you see Robinson ended up with 195 yards. I’m sitting there wondering why on the last run of the game they give the ball to somebody else. This kid has been balling all game. Play after play. Big play after big play. You guys are just handing the ball off to get a couple more yards to get a closer field goal.”
“Why not give it to the kid and let him get his 200, or a chance to get 200 yards? I don’t know, make it make sense to me. I was pissed off about that. Good win. A win is a win so I’m sure they’re happy about that. But as a running back, I just don’t understand why you wouldn’t give the kid a chance to get in the end zone or go after 200 yards.”
On the performance, Bleacher Report‘s Joseph Rucker wrote, “Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson wrote his name into the NFL record books with Monday night’s monster performance in a 27-24 win over the Los Angeles Rams. The 2025 Pro Bowler ran for 195 yards and one touchdown and caught five passes for 34 yards and another score.”
“Robinson’s 93-yard scamper in the second quarter was the longest touchdown run ever by a Falcons player. He has also amassed more career yards from scrimmage (5,605) than any player before the age of 24. The conventional wisdom these days is that running backs by and large aren’t worth drafting too early. Exceptions are made for standout prospects, however, and Robinson has fully vindicated Atlanta’s decision to take him eighth overall in 2023.”
Who …. Cares?
The strange part is the context. Two hundred yards rushing is not a supernatural phenomenon. It’s fantastic but not unprecedented.
In NFL history, ball carriers have rushed for 200+ yards in a game 168 times. Peterson did it six times. So did O.J. Simpson. Somebody in the NFL rushes for 200 yards or more about 2.5 times per season.
So, we ask — why is Robinson getting to 200 yards a big deal? Enough to post videos about it? It must be some type of badge that running backs wear, evidenced by Peterson calling it out. Fans watching at home didn’t care until Peterson lifted it up.
Generally speaking, Robinson missed 200 yards by five, and his team scored a sweet upset. Who cares about 200 rushing yards?
The Nick Mullens Example
For more context, former Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens was known for throwing the ball like a gunslinger, without supreme arm strength, mixing recklessness with fearlessness. We’d use current Vikings quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy or Max Brosmer, but neither man is capable of throwing for monster games yet.
Therefore, we ask this: if you were watching a Nick Mullens game, and he was sitting on 380 yards in the 4th Quarter with his team up by 7-10 points, would you care about the 400-yard threshold? That’s what this Peterson grouse is, in essence.
Nope — most would laud Mullens for 380 passing yards and his team’s win and move on about their day.
The 200-yard complaint is a little strange.
Bijan’s Monster Season with No Playoffs
Sadly, Robinson’s impressive season was largely wasted by the Falcons. Atlanta won’t reach the postseason, and it will go back to the drawing board next week when the offseason starts.
It’s also worth noting that Robinson needs 255 yards from scrimmage (rushing + receiving) on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints to break the all-time record for most in a season. Chris Johnson has the current record with 2,509 in 2009.
While Falcons fans will watch knowing their team cannot reach the playoffs against New Orleans, 255 yards from scrimmage would give Robinson the single-greatest season in that regard in NFL history.
Yes, like Peterson demanded 200 rushing yards in Week 17, Falcons loyalists can demand that Atlanta’s coaches scheme a gameplan for Robinson to notch 255 yards.
Through 17 weeks, Robinson’s 2,255 yards from scrimmage rank 16th in NFL history. The record is within reach.
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