Cowboys Enemy Spotlight: Adrian Peterson

After an impressive win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Cowboys will head on the road to face the Washington Redskins in a week seven matchup for a shot at the division lead. Washington is coming off of an impressive win against the Carolina Panthers that lifted their record to 3-2.

The Redskins are an odd team, they don’t scare anyone offensively, and there isn’t one player that strikes fear in your heart, so for that reason this week I will pay homage to one of the greatest running backs of all-time, this week’s profile will be on Adrian Peterson.

The 33-year-old is still putting up big numbers and is shutting his doubters up in the process. The future Hall-of-Famer ranks in the top-15 in rushing yards this season with 339 at an average of 4.4 yards per attempt.

Peterson’s numbers are good, but he’s had a few stinker games as well this year. Against New Orleans he couldn’t seem to get anything going, gaining only six yards on four carries. The Redskins were out of that game early and decided that Peterson’s style of play wouldn’t help them get back into contention. However, he responded the next week with 97 yards on 17 carries against Carolina.

Believe it or not, Peterson has had a big impact on the Redskins record this season, in games that he’s rushed for more 96 or more yards, the Redskins have won (Cardinals, Packers, Panthers). When he’s gone for less than that, it’s been much fewer yards he’s gained, and they’ve lost (Indianapolis, New Orleans).

Simply put, if you stop Peterson, you stop the Washington offense. In both of Washington’s losses they weren’t able to score more than 20 points; Dallas has been able to keep most rushing attacks in check thus far, allowing a little over 90 yards per game, which is good for seventh in the NFL.

This will be a huge test for Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith, who have stepped up immensely thus far without Sean Lee. If they are able to shut down Peterson and the Dallas offense is able to get out to an early lead, this game will be one that is very winnable for the team.

The team’s road woes have been very apparent, they’ve been nothing short of horrible away from AT&T Stadium. This will be a big week to see if the team has conquered those issues or if they’re constrained to being successful only at home. I seem to always miss the mark with my picks this year so for that reason, I’ll roll with the Redskins just to keep that streak alive.

Game Picks

DEN vs. AZ (Broncos)
TEN vs. LAC (Chargers)
CAR vs. PHI (Panthers)
MIN vs. NYJ (Vikings)
BUF vs. IND (Colts)
NE vs. CHI (Patriots)
CLE vs. TB (Browns)
HOU vs. JAX (Jaguars)
DET vs. MIA (Lions)
NO vs. BAL (Ravens)
DAL vs. WAS (Redskins)
LAR vs. SF (Rams)
CIN vs. KC (Bengals)
NYG vs. ATL (Falcons)

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