Redskins Challenge: Josh Johnson, Adrian Peterson, ‘Put up your Dukes’
Can the Redskins offense survive another ugly game on the road against the Tennessee Titans?
The NFL is truly a week-to-week league. Just a week ago, the Washington Redskins were 6-7 and left for dead in the NFC playoff race. Then quarterback Josh Johnson delivered an Alex Smith-like performance, the defense returned to midseason form, and Adrian Peterson was once again churning out yards when the Redskins offense needed them the most.
Last Sunday’s 16-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars was far from flashy, but the Redskins got back to doing the things that got them out to a 5-2 start. For the Redskins offense, it’ll be tough sledding against the Titans underrated defense. Statistically, Tennessee is seventh in yards allowed per game (329.0) and second in points allowed. (18.1) Where the Titans can potentially be exploited, however, is on the ground.
The Titans are allowing 4.3 yards per carry and 110.3 rushing yards per game. Both averages rank 12th in NFL. Unfortunately for the Redskins offense, this might be the game where injuries ultimately catch up to them. They’ll be without five players on offense. But one important player will still be available.
Raise your hand if you had Adrian Peterson starting 14 games this season. The 33-year old is 77 yards away from his eighth 1,000-yard season, per Peter Hailey of NBC Sports Mid-Atlantic. In his twelfth season, when many had written him off, he’s rushed for 923 yards and seven touchdowns on 221 carries. There have been instances of Peterson’s brilliance in each of Washington’s seven victories. Peterson has always been the type of back that needs at least 20 touches per game. Washington needs to stay ahead of the chains on first and second down to make life easier for Josh Johnson, because the Titans have the best fifth-best third down defense in the NFL.
Speaking of Johnson, how can you not root for this guy? His first career win has kept Washington in playoff contention. Now the real test is replicating last week’s success. The 10-year vet realizes he’s playing with house money and the rest of the team has adapted that type of mentality. What was most impressive about Johnson’s performance from last week is that he committed zero turnovers and he came through when the Redskins needed him the most.
Next. Redskins vs. Titans: 5 keys to victory. dark
Against the Titans, Johnson’s best approach should be to take whatever the defense gives him. The Redskins are 10-point underdogs, but this is a winnable game. It remains to be seen if the Redskins are to pull off the upset, but they’ll need big games from Johnson and Peterson. So, Josh Johnson and Adrian Peterson, I challenge you two to ‘Put up your Dukes‘ and carry the Redskins offense to victory against the Tennessee Titans.