Following a turbulent couple of years bouncing between teams, running back Adrian Peterson thinks his record-breaking 2018 "return" should have been even better.
Speaking to Redskins.com earlier this week, the 33-year-old Peterson seemed disappointed that he didn't record higher numbers -- despite becoming the oldest 1,000-yard rusher since the 1980s:
"I feel like last year was just a decent season," Peterson said: "People were like, 'Wow, you did incredible, you had 1,000 yards.' And I'm like, 'Man, I should have had 1,500-1,600 yards.'"
Peterson finally found a permanent home in the first week of pre-season last year when Washington's second round pick Derrius Guice tore his ACL. After playing in just 13 games over two seasons with Arizona, New Orleans and Minnesota, Peterson started all 16 games for the Redskins in 2018, and recorded 1,042 yard and seven touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference.
Despite being a lock for the Hall of Fame, Peterson still carries himself like someone with a chip on his shoulder; and is trying to prove those who say he's too old to produce wrong. Asked about his goals for next year, he didn't hesitate to put down lofty ambitions:
"Just coming back and being able to produce and help this team win a championship," Peterson said: "Just come in and have a way better season than I had last year when it comes to contributing and helping that run game, be dominant; especially with me and Guice and [Chris Thompson] in the backfield. We should be able to do some amazing things."
Regardless of whether Alex Smith returns from injury or not next season, whatever quarterback lines up for Washington is set to have a stellar running back trio around him.
PHOTO CREDIT: Crimson and Cream Machine
