With that in mind, it shouldn't come as a surprise that when Peterson sat down this off-season and watched film of his final four games, he came to a simple conclusion.

The reason he failed to rush for 100 yards in any of those contests wasn't because of something his offensive line did wrong or the fact the offense failed to stretch the field and make defenses respect the pass. He didn't even use the excuse that after missing two games because of a knee injury, he was still hurting. Nope.

Peterson's conclusion was that he was at fault. After rushing for more than 100 yards in six of his first 10 games, Peterson identified himself as the culprit for the reason he slowed.

"I studied the film and I was always amazed on a lot of plays, it was really me," he told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "It wasn't the offensive line not getting a block or anything like that, or anything they were doing really. It was really me kind of hurting myself."

How about that for holding oneself responsible? Peterson rushed for 1,341 yards and 13 touchdowns in 14 games to earn NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. His season included a league-record 296-yard performance against San Diego.

But Peterson is convinced he can do better. He said during the off-season that his goal is to rush for 2,000 yards, but has since toned that down in part because he doesn't want to overshadow the team goals.

But it's clear Peterson is convinced he can be better. Much better.

"I was able to take a lot from those tapes," he said. "Just being more patient and learning to play up the gut more."

CAMP CALENDAR: The Vikings broke camp in Mankato, Minn., on Aug. 15 and have returned to their Winter Park facility in Eden Prairie.