Adrian Peterson became the first Vikings running back to lead the NFL in rushing last season with 1,760 yards. Through eight games this year, Peterson is tied for third in the league with 784 yards. That puts him 175 yards behind NFL leader Chris Johnson of Tennessee.
So is Peterson concerned about losing his crown?
"It's not that big of a deal, but of course, you guys know my mentality," Peterson said Thursday during his weekly news conference at Winter Park. "I want to be the best in whatever I do. Two different teams, two different situations [from 2008 to 2009]. I am contributing in the pass game and in the run game. ... It will come if it comes and that will be all good. If not, hopefully we'll be playing in the big game on the East Coast."
For the Vikings to accomplish those goals, Peterson needs to remain fresh. Peterson's 182 combined touches rushing and receiving through eight games are the same amount he had last year, but this season's offensive balance has helped him stay healthier.
"I feel real good," Peterson said. "Last year around this time, my body had a little more wear and tear, but we have so many different ways to score on the offensive side. We have a lot of guys contributing and stepping up and making big plays. It's not really about focusing on the running game. We are balanced. So with that I don't have to take a pounding so much, so I feel pretty good."
As for why Peterson described the Super Bowl in Miami as "the big game on the East Coast," he said: "We don't want to look too far ahead of ourselves. We've got ourselves in a good position [with a 7-1 record], but we just have to continue going week in and week out and taking care of business and we will give ourselves a chance."
Winfield still limited Cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot) was limited for a second consecutive day of practice Thursday, and it's likely he will be held out for a third consecutive game Sunday when the Vikings play host to Detroit.
Winfield, who did some running Thursday during the individual portion of practice under the watchful eye of head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman , missed the Vikings' final two games before the bye.
Also limited again were quarterback Brett Favre (hip/groin), linebacker E.J. Henderson (knee) and wide receiver Bernard Berrian (hamstring).
The Lions were without starting linebackers Larry Foote (knee) and Ernie Sims (hamstring) for the second day in a row, and both could miss Sunday's game. Defensive end Dewayne White (toe) also has not practiced this week for the Lions.
Familiar face Bob Karmelowicz will be working on the Detroit sideline Sunday, serving as the Lions defensive line coach. Last season, however, Karmelowicz helped play a role in Jared Allen's success in his first season with the Vikings.
Allen wasn't happy with the way he started the year and hired Karmelowicz on a freelance basis to help him with his technique and film study. Karmelowicz had been Allen's line coach in Kansas City. The move turned out to be a good one, because Allen finished with 14.5 regular-season sacks after having only two in the first five games.
Allen lost the services of his personal tutor last offseason when new Lions head coach Jim Schwartz hired Karmelowicz. The move hasn't had a negative impact on Allen, who enters Sunday's game tied for the NFL with 10.5 sacks. Denver linebacker Elvis Dumervil also has 10.5 sacks.
"Coach Karm is a hell of a coach," Allen said this week on a conference call with Detroit reporters. "... Sometimes it's nice to have an outside view with somebody that you really trust to help you fix a couple things."
Etc. •The Vikings-Lions game is officially a sellout and will be televised on Ch. 9.