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Arizona Cardinals: Adrian Peterson finds new life

By Scott Allen

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Running back Adrian Peterson #23 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates after scoring on a one yard rushing touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Running back Adrian Peterson #23 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates after scoring on a one yard rushing touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Arizona Cardinals running back Adrian Peterson had his best day since 2015

In week one, we pretty much knew what Adrian Peterson was going to do for the New Orleans Saints.  It was pretty much nothing, he did more in the first half for the Arizona Cardinals than he did in five weeks for the Saints.

After rushing 26 times for 134-yards and two touchdowns on Sunday, the Cardinals have new life in their running game.  Part of that can be attributed to an improved offensive line.

However let’s slow the brakes just a bit.  We need to see more.  There was a lot of emotion on that field early on at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday.

Why shouldn’t have there been?  Peterson was out to prove himself to the Saints that they were wrong about him.  It’s understandable.

That being said, just five days ago I said this wasn’t a good fit for Peterson or the Cardinals.  For today, it was.  There’s no denying that.

Down the road though what if Peterson is still playing like this and David Johnson is ready to return?  Are the Cardinals going to be ready to hand the ball back to Johnson?

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There’s a lot of football to be played between now and then though, so we will re-visit that question until the appropriate time.  For now, props to Peterson for coming out and doing what fans were yearning for him to do.

Right away we knew it would be a special day.  Four carries for 54-yards, including a 27-yard touchdown run on the first drive.  He had 76-yards rushing after one quarter.  He had 87-yards at halftime.

Also, don’t forget he had another 41-yard run in the fourth quarter wiped out by two penalties, one a questionable taunting penalty on him. Peterson was giving congrats on a nice tackle.  He did it several times on Sunday but referees deemed it unsportsmanlike.  Whatever.

Now the test is to see if he can do it again next week against the 4-2 Los Angeles Rams in London.  Its all about consistency.  While he doesn’t need to go out and rush for 134-yards every week it would be nice to see a continued effort at a balanced offensive attack.

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