Adrian Peterson has instant impact in Cardinals win
The Arizona Cardinals traded for Adrian Peterson to help with problems running the football. In their week 6 win, the Cardinals got just what they were looking for.
When Adrian Peterson signed with the New Orleans Saints in the offseason, it seemed he would be a key cog in their running game. But that scenario never materialized as the Saints used Peterson as just another part of their committee.
The Saints had two other running backs they liked in Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara and Adrian Peterson was lost in the shuffle. The Saints didn’t really need Peterson, he was just a splash signing for them. But there were teams out there who use his skills.
Hence, the trade with the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals lost their best player, running back David Johnson to a wrist injury. Without a running game, the Cardinals offense has been inconsistent. But that changed in week 6 with Adrian Peterson in the lineup.
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Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Peterson rushed for 134 yards on 26 carries and had 2 TD’s. As a team, the Cardinals rushed for 160 yards in the 38-33 win. In the previous two games they could only muster 82 yards rushing total.
And this is precisely how you use Adrian Peterson. You feed him the rock and let him get into a rhythm. You don’t add to a running back by committee like the Saints did. Without Peterson, the Saints no longer have the spectre of not using Peterson hanging over the offense.
But with Peterson, the Arizona Cardinals have now added more balance to their offense. And in turn, have boosted their chances to try to win the NFC West. In week 7, the Cardinals take on the Los Angeles Rams. A great running back matchup with Peterson vs. Todd Gurley.