Bears' Pernell McPhee 'real excited' to face Adrian Peterson, 'best back in NFL'

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears linebacker Pernell McPhee said Thursday that he relishes the chance to go head-to-head with Adrian Peterson on Sunday at Soldier Field.

"I get real excited [to play against Peterson]," McPhee said with a wide grin. "That's it. I'm excited. I'm ready. I'm ready."

Why such enthusiasm to face one of the greatest tailbacks in NFL history?

"He's the best back in the NFL. ... I get to hit the best back in the NFL," McPhee said. "That's why I'm excited. Because I'm coming."

Peterson singled out McPhee when discussing the Bears' defense this week. Through six games, McPhee leads the Bears with four sacks and six tackles for loss.

"No. 92 [McPhee], when he's out there playing football, he is not playing around, that's one thing I do know," Peterson said. "Avoid him, and when I run into him, I need to make sure I bring everything I have.

"He is a man among children out there. He's fast, he's strong. He gets to the ball. He has a nose for the ball, and he's trying to make you feel him on each and every play. So I love guys like that, that goes out and competes like that. I'm looking forward to playing against him."

The only regular-season meeting between McPhee and Peterson occurred in December 2013 when McPhee's former team, the Baltimore Ravens, limited Peterson to just 13 yards on seven carries. McPhee was credited with one tackle in Baltimore's 29-26 victory.