Redskins X-Factors for the second half of the 2018 season

No. 3 – RB Adrian Peterson

While we’re on the topic of correlations, let’s talk about Adrian Peterson. When Peterson rushes for more than 90 yards, the Redskins are 5-0. Using process of elimination, you can probably figure out the team’s record when he doesn’t.

Throughout his career, Alex Smith has benefited from solid rushing attacks, and it was known that the Redskins would need to improve in that regard this year. They drafted Derrius Guice in the second round for that purpose, but when Guice was lost for the season with an ACL tear in August, the Redskins’ plans fell awry. And they were forced to turn to Adrian Peterson.

No one could have expected the boons of that late-summer marriage.

Through seven games, Peterson has accumulated 587 yards and four touchdowns on 127 carries. He’s eclipsed 100 yards twice after his showing in New York, and he’s on pace for over 1,300 yards on the ground. The last time Peterson put up these kinds of numbers? 2015. His Vikings won the NFC North, finishing with a record of 11-5.

So far this season, Peterson has been the beating heart of the Redskins’ offense, as he’s effectively beaten down his opponents. He’s not as fast as he used to be, but the vision, jump, and energy is that of a Hall of Famer. As long as Peterson continues to produce behind his trusty offensive line, there’s no reason the Redskins can’t keep running along.