Peterson leads Vikes past Chargers, 35-17

MINNEAPOLIS - Adrian Peterson set an NFL record in his eighth game as a pro, saving the Minnesota Vikings once again.

After giving up the longest play in league history on a missed field goal right before halftime, the Vikings turned to their amazing rookie. Peterson rushed for an NFL-record 296 yards in a 35-17 victory over the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.

Minnesota (3-5) pressured Philip Rivers into one of the worst games of his career and made sure LaDainian Tomlinson didn't come close to matching Peterson's performance.

San Diego (4-4) lost a November game for the first time since 2003 and reverted to the shaky play on both sides of the ball that led to a 1-3 start.

Here's what Peterson did in his eighth NFL game:

• He topped 200 yards rushing for the second time in one season, a feat no other rookie has accomplished.

• He scored two of his three touchdowns in the second half.