Willis vs. Peterson

<p>They came into the league together in 2007 and never experienced the requisite adjustment period.</p><p>Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis each have been to the Pro Bowl twice in their two seasons in the NFL. And they will undoubtedly see plenty of each other Sunday when the unbeaten teams meet at the Metrodome.</p><p>“He’s a good running back,” Willis said. “I have a lot of respect for him. It’s going to be a good game, but I think — no, I know — we have a defense that can stop the run. That’s our objective.”</p><p>Peterson and Willis have squared off once in their careers, as rookies, and it was memorable. Although the Vikings defeated the 49ers, 27-7, Willis got the best of their head-to-head matchup.</p><p>Willis recorded 10 tackles while helping hold Peterson to a career-worst 3 rushing yards on 14 attempts. Peterson entered the game averaging nearly 120 yards a game.</p><p>Peterson, who gained 1,760 yards last season, already has 272 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 40 carries this season in the Vikings’ victories over Cleveland and Detroit.</p><p>Meanwhile, Willis has gotten off to another strong start. The 49ers rank third in the league in run defense. The 49ers have held the opposition to 106 yards — and a 2.7-yard rushing average — in two games.</p><p>“Adrian is a guy who has a ton of speed,” 49ers coach Mike Singletary said. “He is their bell cow. It’s going to be an interesting matchup.</p><p>“I think it’s important for us to focus on the entire game and not focus on Adrian Peterson and not focus on Brett Favre and all that — but just know that he’s a special football player and we’re going to have our hands full containing him.”</p><h3>MORGAN’S CONTRIBUTIONS</h3> <p>Josh Morgan is a starting NFL wide receiver who did not catch a pass Sunday. But he still managed to figure prominently in both 49ers touchdowns as a downfield blocker. Morgan issued a friendly warning to fullback Moran Norris.</p><p>“I told him, ‘Look out for that fullback job,’ because Frank (Gore) was scoring on all my blocks, not his,” Morgan said.</p><p>Morgan had three catches for 38 yards in the season opener, but he did not see one pass come his way Sunday in the 49ers’ 23-10 victory over the Seattle.</p><p>“I didn’t get shut out because I was open a lot,” Morgan said. “I thought I did a great job.”</p><p>EXTRA POINTS</p><p>* Singletary said he thoroughly enjoyed Gore’s runs of 79 and 80 yards from his vantage point on the sideline. “You may not see me laughing or anything like that, but I enjoy every bit of it because when he’s running like that, something good up front is happening,” Singletary said.</p><p>Gore rushed for 207 yards on Sunday but left the game with seven minutes to go because of a right ankle sprain. “I feel pretty good,” he said. “I came here and got my work. I feel all right. I feel great. I’ll be good.”</p><p>* Right tackle Adam Snyder, who struggled in the opener against the Cardinals, is starting to get back on track, Singletary said. Snyder split playing time with veteran Tony Pashos. Singletary says he feels good about the right tackle position. He said, “If Tony Pashos were not here, it may be an area of concern.”</p><p>For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com.</p>