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The NFL’s top five most shocking performances from week one

By Sayre Bedinger

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins slips by defensive back Tre Boston #33 of the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins slips by defensive back Tre Boston #33 of the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 09: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins reacts after scoring a one-yard touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 09: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins reacts after scoring a one-yard touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Adrian Peterson, RB, Redskins

One of the most shocking performances from week one of the NFL season was Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson, who looked like he put on a Clinton Portis costume and played like he was 25 again.

Peterson carried the ball 26 times for the Redskins, grinding out 96 yards (3.7 average) and a touchdown as the lead running back while also adding some explosiveness to the passing game. Peterson caught two passes for 70 yards, including a big 52-yard play, and put some nice moves on at the age of 33.

Peterson should continue to have a lot of success this season as good as the Redskins’ offensive line looked and with Alex Smith providing some turnover-free stability at quarterback.

The former All-Pro looked really good in his season debut with the Cardinals in 2017 before falling off a bit. Perhaps this was the exception rather than the norm for Peterson but other factors at play lead me to believe this won’t be the last we hear of him. Racking up 166 total yards in a season debut after being signed out of nowhere in the preseason is something only Peterson could do as a 33-year old back.

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