MANKATO, Minn. — Adrian Peterson burst through the line of scrimmage and veered toward the sideline as he headed up the field.
Safety Robert Blanton had the Minnesota Vikings running back in his sights and eased off the throttle as he went in to "thud" Peterson, looking to deliver a cordial bump during the team's first training camp practice with players in pads. To Blanton's surprise, Peterson lowered his shoulder and delivered a jolt to the fourth-year defensive back.
Most veterans dread the early days of camp and the first few hits that open the door to six months filled with jarring blows, aches and pains.