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Redskins Challenge: Adrian Peterson, it’s time to put up your dukes

By Lawrence Jason Dukes

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 24: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins rushes against the Denver Broncos in the first quarter during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 24: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins rushes against the Denver Broncos in the first quarter during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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I hate that I’m even writing this, but Adrian Peterson, it’s time to “Put up your Dukes.”

ESPN’s John Keim recently wrote an insightful article on how Adrian Peterson could emulate Redskins great John Riggins. Running back is one of the more vigorous positions in the game, which often makes it a young man’s position. But, there have been players who’ve been productive in the latter stages of their careers. For example, the aforementioned Riggins had his best statistical season as a professional at 34.

Frank Gore is another running back that has defied the odds at the position. Possibly the most underrated back of his generation, Gore has started 16 games in each of the past six seasons. At 33, Gore rushed for 1,025 yards, 263 carries, and four touchdowns averaging nearly 4.0 yards per carry (3.9).

Peterson only carried the ball 11 times for 56 yards in the preseason, but on one drive, he carried the ball seven times in a row. This was promising for the Redskins offense because it showed that Peterson can be productive in spurts. That is what the offense needs from Peterson not only against the Cardinals, but for the rest of the season.

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Peterson in the backfield also elevates the play-action game for the Redskins. With Peterson drawing eight-man fronts, he should open up things for Josh Doctson and Paul Richardson downfield.

If the Redskins are to have any success on offense, the offensive line has to dominate up front. The Cardinals have switched to an undersized 4-3 front under new head coach Steve Wilks. The projected starters along the defensive line average 281 pounds. The average weight of the Redskins starting offensive line is 311 pounds. The Redskins should be able to attack the undersized Cardinals defensive line downhill.

On Wednesday the team announced that Peterson will start at running back on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. The news isn’t surprising, but it will be interesting to see how much carries Peterson gets in Week 1. Chris Thompson will definitely factor into the equation. Rob Kelley and Samaje Perine will factor in as well, but the latter has had fumbling issues.

Next. 10 potential Redskins prospects to watch in 2018. dark

For now, it’s Peterson’s job to lose. Peterson says he wants to silence his critics. A strong performance on Sunday will go a long way in doing so. It’s time for him to put up his dukes and prove that he can still be a lead back in the NFL.

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