Adrian Peterson, Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins and new head coach Ron Rivera probably don’t want to see a ton of Peterson in 2020. The organization made its intentions to push Derrius Guice as the lead back clear last year. However, the LSU product could never stay healthy. In two seasons, he’s only made five appearances.
The Redskins drafted Antonio Gibson from Memphis in the third-round of the 2020 NFL Draft. While he primarily played wide receiver in college, Washington seems set on using Gibson as a running back. The team also used a fourth-round pick on former Heisman runner-up Bryce Love last year.
Peyton Barber agreed to a two-year, $3 million contract with Washington in March, giving the team some veteran depth. Former Seahawk and Lion, J.D. McKissic also agreed to a two-year, $3.27 million deal with the Redskins.
With their assortment of veterans and unproven youngsters, Washington arguably has the deepest and most confusing backfield in the NFC East.
With so many young backs on the roster, it may be a surprise that Peterson is still the projected starter. However, it’s not a stretch to have the 35-year-old listed above his competition entering the 2020 season.
Jay Gruden heavily handicapped Peterson last season, keeping the veteran’s production at only ten attempts and 27 yards per game. The younger Gruden sank Washington to the bottom of the NFC East at 0-5 before the team fired him.
Peterson took off once Washington fired Gruden and put Bill Callahan in charge. Callahan served as the team’s assistant head coach and offensive line coach before accepting the interim position.
Under Callahan, Peterson averaged 71.8 yards and 15.5 attempts per game. He also gained 4.6 yards per carry. Overall, Peterson finished the season with 211 carries for 898 yards and five touchdowns.
I do expect the Redskins will cut away a large chunk of Peterson’s carries, but the team can’t throw too much weight on injury-prone backs like Guice or Love. So, Peterson sees his production dip, but he still leads the team in most categories.
However, nothing can change Washington’s fate of finishing last in the NFC East.
Prediction for Peterson in 2020: 150 attempts, 700 yards, and four touchdowns
