Redskins vs. Broncos: 5 players to watch in Week 3
By Ian Cummings
No. 1 – RB Adrian Peterson
Newly-acquired Redskins running back Adrian Peterson is the obvious choice as the top player to watch in Week 3 of preseason, but in reality, the entire running back situation demands the full attention of onlookers. Because with Adrian Peterson now in tow, things could get very interesting.
To put it mildly, I have no idea what’s going to happen.
Peterson’s acquisition shows that the Redskins must be pondering the possibility of using him as their lead back. That’s the only role he’s ever flourished in, as he was quickly traded from New Orleans when their committee approach lost luster in his eyes. But does he still have enough left in the tank, or enough cartilage left in his knees at 33-years old to use his vision and experience effectively?
There are too many questions to feel confident about this hire. Solace can be taken in the fact that he won’t be paid more than the veteran minimum, but it’s still unclear whether this will go down as a bargain deal or a waste of money. There’s also no guarantee that Peterson plays this week, but that doesn’t change the fact that the situation is must-watch from this point.
If Peterson does enough to make the team, what happens? Someone has to go. Will it be one of the backup receiving backs, or will either Rob Kelley or Samaje Perine be a casualty of cut day? And what if Peterson flames out and gets cut? How would the sudden gain and loss of such a high-profile player impact the team, most notably Trent Williams, who played in college with Peterson?
Next. Redskins look to answer questions versus Broncos. dark
Furthermore, how will the other backs on the bubble respond to the acquisition of Peterson? How will roles shift around? For now, there are dozens of lingering questions that we simply don’t have answers to. Peterson brings some things to the Redskins that few running backs in the league can offer. His vision won’t have left him at this point. But his durability, after so many years of full-speed contact and multiple season-ending injuries, has to be a concern. It’s a low-risk move, from a financial standpoint. But it makes trimming the roster an even thinner beam to balance.