How good will Adrian Peterson and the Vikings' offense be this season? I talked to Peterson about that and a few other things.

BS: The assumption is the defense will be better with the additions of Jared Allen and Madieu Williams. What kind of ripple effect will that have on the offense?

AP: I definitely see a kick on the defensive side, especially with Jared Allen. He's so fast off the ball. He's talented in so many different ways. That's what we need. We can have a lot of three-and-outs (from the Vikings' defense). We've just got to go on the field and execute and take advantage of those opportunities.

BS: You were having a great season last year until you hurt your knee. Do you feel you have some unfinished business after looking as though you'd lead the league in rushing and maybe even touchdowns? Do you want to show people you are the best back in the league?

AP: I don't think I have to prove anything to anybody. But my mind-set always is to be the best. It would be nice to come out and have an outstanding season. Most important is helping my team get into the playoffs and get to that big game.

BS: Is there something magical about 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns?

AP: Oh, yeah. Definitely. There's something magical about that. Just look at the history. There aren't too many guys who've done that. As a running back, I feel like that should always be your mark as far as what you expect for yourself.

BS: There are some backs

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who'd say, "I want to rush for 2,000 yards and score 20 touchdowns," and people would react by saying, "Yeah, right." With you, that's realistic. Is that where you put the mark, at 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns?

AP: You can put this in there: At the beginning of every year, I'm going to be looking at 2,000. It's not only going to be this year. That's what I'm going for every year.

BS: What will people see from you that they didn't see last season, when you still were a rookie and learning how to play in the NFL?

AP: They'll see a player who's more developed in his game. They'll see a player who's more comfortable with the offense. I'll just go out there and play fast and not think a lot. Last year, I did a lot of thinking. You can't play fast when you're thinking about stuff.

BS: That should be frightening to defenses — that you were thinking and maybe tentative, and you didn't let yourself go.

AP: I'm feeling good this year. I'm feeling more comfortable. I sit back and say, "Man, I was really thinking a lot last year." Now that I'm more comfortable with the offense and understand the offense and have a year under my belt, I sit here and say, "We should be real nice this year."

BS: Maybe you're aiming low. Maybe you should be shooting for 3,000 yards.

AP: (Laughs.)

BS: Do you think any NFL back can ever get 3,000 rushing yards in a single season?

AP: I think it's possible. Nothing is impossible. All things are possible, I'll tell you that.

BS: You're not predicting 3,000 yards for yourself, are you?

AP: No. Don't put that in there. (Laughs.)