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The Washington Redskins are 1-0 for the first time under head coach Jay Gruden and their dynamic duo of running backs, Adrian Peterson and Chris Thompson, are largely to thank. As all the attention turned to how new starting quarterback Alex Smith would play in his burgundy and gold debut, it was Thompson and Peterson that stole the show in an impressive 24-6 win over the Arizona Cardinals
Peterson came just four yards shy of 100 yards, rushing for 96 and a touchdown on 26 carries. He added 70 yards receiving on two catches, including a dump-off pass that he turned up field 52 yards before Cardinals safety Tre Boston was able to strip the football out of the veteran’s hands. Peterson may harp on his only noticeable mistake, being the perfectionist that he is, but his gaffe came late in the fourth quarter with the outcome of the game no longer a doubt.
Thompson, who was returning from a broken fibula suffered last November, showed off his blazing speed on nearly every touch he had. Whether on a run or a pass from Smith, Thompson knifed through the Cardinals defense for 128 yards — 65 rushing, 63 receiving — on 11 touches and a touchdown.
With Thompson and Peterson leading the way, the Redskins outrushed the Cardinals 182-68. Behind a physical offensive line that won the line of scrimmage on seemingly every snap, the two Washington running backs, wore down the Cardinals defense into submission.
The thunder and lightning combo helped silence the packed stadium at University of Phoenix Stadium. With Peterson’s powering running style and Thompson shiftiness, the Redskins ran and dinked the football down the Cardinals’ throat. The two were reminiscent of a dynamic duo that dominated the NFL a season ago, one that Peterson started last season behind, the New Orleans Saints Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. Peterson and Thompson were an ideal one-two-punch, seemingly challenging one another to outdo the previous’ touch to keep the Redskins momentum.
Peterson acknowledged after the game that Thompson motivated him saying, “that young guy got me going today,” per John Keim of ESPN.
When the Redskins entered training camp there was no question, running back was their most talented position on the roster. However, questions and concerns surfaced after an injury wave rushed through the position, claiming the season of second-round pick Derrius Guice, leaving Byron Marshall to start the season on injured reserve, and Samaje Perine in the back of the line in the group.
That wave forced Washington to turn to Plan B, in Peterson, a 33-year old that has been on three different teams in the last two seasons. Peterson proved from the moment he arrived at Redskins Park, this season was going to be different than his previous couple of past seasons. He quickly established himself as the best running back on the roster ahead Perine and Robert Kelley with an impressive performance in his lone preseason game against the Denver Broncos.
He's still got it. pic.twitter.com/3mz6sygLYS
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 10, 2018
Sunday was a carryover from that game. He was quick with making decisions to get in the right hole, and finishing each touch off with power at times barreling over Cardinals defenders.
Thompson looked ready to go by all accounts from Gruden throughout preseason. Thompson’s first touch of the game showed Gruden was telling the truth as he bounced off a hit near his legs before stretching out to convert a 3rd-and-4 into a first down.
A drive later, he ran a beautiful zig route that freed him away from the Cardinals defense near the sideline as Smith hit him for a 13-yard touchdown catch. Thompson flashed the same speed that made him an integral part of the Redskins offense a season ago before his devastating injury.
The combination of Peterson and Thompson was a great complement to Smith on Sunday. A great game plan was in placed to utilize their talents, easing the game for Smith, and playing to his strengths as well as the makeup of the Redskins roster.
After a preseason of concern, Sunday’s win proved running back is still the strongest unit of the Redskins even with an unexpected lead role and Thompson leading the supporting cast, the Redskins were triumph for the first time under Gruden in opening week.
