Detroit Lions: Adrian Peterson is a great addition to a youthful backfield
By Bob Heyrman
The Detroit Lions and future Hall Of Fame running back Adrian Peterson have agreed to a one-year contract.
The Detroit Lions are welcoming Adrian Peterson back to the NFC North where he excelled for the majority of his highly-decorated, lengthy NFL career.
The 35-year old is firmly on the back nine of his career, but the violent running style of Adrian Peterson is still desirable in specific situations. Peterson will help the Detroit Lions establish the run in 2020 behind a revamped offensive line.
RB Adrian Peterson told me this morning he’s on his way to Detroit to sign with the #Lions. “They’re giving me an opportunity to play. I know coach (Darell) Bevell from my days in Minnesota. Ultimately I feel comfortable going there and helping them to get better.” #NFCNorth.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 6, 2020
The connection mentioned by Josina above refers to Peterson’s first four NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings playing under current Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell calling the plays. Bevell’s history with Peterson certainly played a role in bringing the one-time superstar to Detroit.
The Detroit Lions also seek a reliable short-yardage power back. The organization elected to roster Bo Scarbrough over Jonathan Williams, who the team brought in to compete for the job during the training camp.
Recently the Washington Football Team surprisingly released Peterson, choosing to roll with their young backs led by rookie Antonio Gibson. This prompted the idea that perhaps the Detroit Lions should be in the market for Peterson.
Scarbrough missed a large portion of training camp battling through injuries, and the same goes for rookie D’Andre Swift. Peterson will join a plethora of Lions backs in what is shaping up to be a running back by committee approach entering the 2020 season. Peterson will immediately be the teams’ short-yardage and goal-line back. The veteran will still see his fair share of first and second-down carries. After being released, Peterson will be eager to prove he can still get the job done, and that bodes well for the Detroit Lions.
Sure, the Lions are not getting the elite rusher Peterson had once been, but just last season, he averaged 898 yards on 211 carries, scoring five touchdowns. One thing that stands out to me was the fact that Peterson compiled 58% of his rushing yards after contact.
The seven-time pro bowler, league MVP, brings much-needed leadership to a very youthful Detroit Lions backfield. Peterson has recorded 14,216 rushing yards over his 14-year career. As it sits now, expect Bevell to deploy Detroit’s top-three backs on an equal timeshare to start the season.
light. Related Story. Adding Adrian Peterson would not be a bad thing
The backfield will be led by third-year back Kerryon Johnson, rookie D’Andre Swift, and Peterson. That leaves touches sparse for both Scarbrough and Ty Johnson, but the teams’ depth is plentiful. It’s a low-risk signing that serves a purpose for general manager Bob Quinn and the Lions, one that may pay off as the season grows old.