MANKATO - The first drill on the first day of training camp for Adrian Peterson and the Vikings running backs focused on ball security.
That was nothing unusual, but it carried extra significance for Peterson on Friday. His fumbling became a national talker this offseason, and Peterson said he knows the cause of that problem.
"What I came up with is, it's all mental," Peterson told a large media gathering after Friday's practice. "Basically, it's that simple. Just mentally being aware of my surroundings at all times. Knowing guys are definitely throwing those extra punches to knock it out at all times. So just mentally knowing that I have it high and tight at all times."
Peterson had seven fumbles (losing six) last season. He fumbled twice in the NFC Championship Game and was part of a botched handoff that was credited to Brett Favre.
Peterson has fumbled 20 times in three regular seasons, losing 13 of them.
He vowed after the loss to Saints in the NFC title game to correct the problem. He said Friday that he needs to do a better job carrying the ball "high and tight."
"When I was holding it low, it gives those guys that space to be able to punch up and knock the ball out at times," he said. "Bring it up high. Keep it high and tight. Just getting back to the way it's taught and the way you're supposed to carry the ball. It's pretty simple."
Peterson's fumbles and his absence from Winter Park for most of the offseason brought scrutiny and criticism. The star running back said he tried to ignore the attention while working out in Houston.