The Washington Redskins came into Metlife Stadium to play a struggling New York Giants team and Coach Jay Gruden and his squad had some odds stacked against them. Some were even calling the contest a possible trap game. Understandably so, The Burgundy and Gold had a 25% winning percentage in the last ten games in New York but with a physical brand of football were able to change the narrative with a 20-13 win.
Washington success clearly rests not just on a balanced game plan but a concerted effort to run the football. RB Adrian Peterson once again had an impact on the game by running the football but also having a critical catch and run for a touchdown. Since his inception into the Redskins offense, Peterson has shown from day one that he is still a physical back that can be more than just productive behind a great offensive line.
The future Hall of Famer continues to provide the Redskins rushing attack with a physical presence that puts an enormous amount of pressure on the opposing team’s defense. Peterson’s style of running softens up the opposition and allows for the Redskins to control the clock. Peterson’s 64-yard touchdown virtually sealed the game.
When Washington imposes their will by feeding Peterson the ball, they are now 5-0 in games that he has rushed for 90 yards or more. In Washington’s two losses on the year, Peterson had 11 carries or less with only 20 yards or less.
Its evident that the identity of the offense starts in the trenches with a united effort to attack the opponent through the running game. Left tackle Trent Williams stated it a few weeks ago in a post-game interview that it is their Identity.
“We have to be a grind-it, physical-up-front, gritty team,” Williams said. “We’ve got to win those tough games. That’s just the way we’re designed. We have to grind everything up. Obviously, hitting big plays, that’s great. But that’s like video-game ball. You hear people saying, ‘You need to throw the ball downfield.’ But it’s more than that. It’s never that simple. Obviously, we want to be aggressive and air it out and have big plays all over the field, but I think we play our best football when we’re balanced.”
The seven-time pro bowler would finish the day with 26 carries for 149 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and one touchdown along with one reception for seven yards and a touchdown. In Washington’s five wins on the season, they have produced a combined 170 carries for 792 yards and four touchdowns.