Redskins Wire – USA Today SMG

22 Yards Rushing by the Running Backs

If you read a story speaking of Peterson’s demise based on his performance in Washington’ Week 2 loss to the Colts, then please stop reading. It’s simply not true. Sure, Peterson had a bad game, carrying the ball 11 times for just 20 yards. He did pop off one 14-yard run in the third quarter that appeared to jumpstart the offense but it quickly faded.

In addition to Peterson’s 20 yards, Chris Thompson carried the ball four times for one yard, while Rob Kelley had one carry for one yard. That is 16 carries for 22 yards by the Redskins’ backs. That is simply not acceptable. No team will win getting that type of meager production from its running game.

The Redskins started the game trying to run. The offensive line couldn’t sustain blocks and were confused by Indianapolis’ stunts and twists up front. The defensive line did such a good job against Washington’s offensive line that the linebackers often had a clear path to the ball carrier.

Receiver Jamison Crowder was actually the team’s leading rusher with 29 yards on just two attempts. All but four of those yards came on Washington’s first play from scrimmage in what looked like a potentially huge day for the offense.

In this first half, Peterson had just three carries for one yard. It’s tough to get any running game going with just three attempts in the first half while the game was still competitive. Part of the problem is Gruden’s predictability to run on most first downs. It’s rarely successful and often puts the Redskins behind the marker. Peterson needs opportunities, but he also needs Gruden to be a little less predictable, too.

It's halftime and Adrian Peterson has 3 carries for 1 yard. Not ideal.

— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) September 16, 2018

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