Chicago Bears know how dangerous Adrian Peterson can be

Despite a season-ending ACL tear in the final month of the 2011 season, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson somehow returned in time for the beginning of the regular season and is on pace to finish the 2012 season with a career-best in rushing yardage.

Lance Briggs and the Bears are very aware of the explosiveness of Peterson, as the veteran linebacker even told Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago that the Vikings running back is deserving of the NFL's MVP award:

"He's running stronger since he's come back from his injury than last year," Briggs said. "The guy is a very tough guy to bring down. He's a full head of steam, and once he gets tackled, it looks like he's looking for the next time to get the ball. 'I want the ball again and again, again, again.' He's pretty relentless, which is great for defensive players. Great players will always raise your level of play."

After an impressive start to the season following injury, Peterson has steadily improved as the season has gone on. He enters Week 14 with six straight 100-yard rushing games, including his top performance of the season in Week 13 when he accumulated 210 yards rushing on 21 carries against the Packers.

In Week 12, the Bears gave up 108 yards rushing on 18 carries and 30 yards receiving on six receptions to Peterson.