I agree with your thinking on it. I don't know if I agree with your interpretation of the take on AP though... at least around here. I only remember other names being talked about (and mostly in regard to fantasy football) along with AP because of the injury. In the same sense, I think people are going a bit overboard bc of what he did while coming off of that injury. Either way, I don't think anyone considered anyone else better overall... just expected them to perform better this year since most RBs (read everyone not named Adrian Peterson) take time to get back to full speed.
Could be wrong though, didn't go back and check.