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LANDOVER, Md. – With 22 starters including offensive and defensive players, plus another faction handling special teams, football is the ultimate team sport.
Now imagine where the 2018 Washington Redskins find themselves in front of Adrian Peterson for that mid-preseason workout. Even Jamie Lee Curtis finds that frightening.
Peterson's return to football glory continued with 99 rushing yards on 24 carries in Washington's 20-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys Sunday evening.
"I would not say we would be in the game, but, yeah," Trent Williams said of his teammate University of Oklahoma.
"Obviously having [Adrian]I will not say it's everything, but it's almost everything, "Williams continued. His eyes widened as the Bowl Pro Bowl pondered the potential downside of this offense with the future Hall of Famer. That's a dark timeline.
Peterson's Redskins Careers now six regular-season games. Sunday's display of power in tight spaces and speed when daylight is not a one-off. In those six games, Peterson rushed for at least 96 yards four times with the last two games playing with a painful shoulder.
"I'm feeling good, man, we just got a W," the smiling running back said from behind the podium inside the media room at his new home stadium. "That makes everything feel better. I feel better than I did last week, I'll say that. "
Washington felt concerned about its running after the second preseason game to free agent market. Peterson arriving at Redskins Park in August generated the expected "Whoa" from the NFL fans, who picture the player hammering silly defenders daring to tackle him. That player no longer existed. At least that's what many assumed.
Peterson last topped 1,000 yards or 4.0 yards per rush in 2015. Injuries and inefficiency headlined 2017 stops in New Orleans and Arizona. Running backs capable of carrying an offense are not just lying around for a rogue penny on a sidewalk. Yet, there was Peterson, waiting for a team to show interest. After losing Derrius Guice with a season-ending knee injury and recognizing the in-house options were not enough, the Redskins called.
"We did not have many expectations," Jay Gruden said after the Redskins improved to 4-2 and took a 1 ½ game lead in the NFC East. "We were not expecting our team until we had a couple of injuries. Then we got him. I was not sure what to expect. I know it looks great in that workout. "
That workout, starting gig. Now it's hard contemplating anyone else. Peterson had runs of 23 and 20 yards against the Cowboys. Dustin Hopkins field goals. Alex Smith-led passing game lacked oomph.
This random road to Redskins Park is why Peterson's renaissance feels shocking to many.
"No, not at all. I think everyone else around is surprised. I'm not, "Peterson said. "I expect greatness from myself. That's why I put the work in. God has blessed with me this talent. A lot of people see, and a lot of people do not. … just keep confidence in myself. When I'm presented with my opportunity, I'm going to take advantage of it every Sunday. "
Peterson is taking advantage of this opportunity with the Redskins because of the need for the mother of invention. It turns out to be a better way of doing business.
"There are not many guys like [Adrian] walking around the street, "Williams said," and luckily, we found a diamond in the rough. "
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