• NFL
    •  October 10, 2017

    No Saint: Adrian Peterson Traded To Arizona Cardinals

    October 10, 2017
    Mike Murphy
    Mike Murphy
    Contributor
    Mike Murphy
    Mike Murphy
    maddogmurph55

    Saints running back Adrian Peterson has been traded to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for an undisclosed 2018 draft pick.

    It was pretty obvious from the start that Saints coach Sean Peyton didn’t have a sizable role for former NFL MVP Adrian Peterson. In the very first game of the season, we saw Peterson jaw in Peyton’s ear in what looked to be him lashing out in frustration.

    According to Peterson and Peyton, everything was “fine” between the two. At least that’s the story the public got.

    Sean Peyton on the sideline encounter: “Listen, I’ll tell you if we were in a heated exchange.”

    Through the Saints first four games this season, Peterson has run just 27 times for 81 yards and zero touchdowns. Running back Mark Ingram has been the team’s primary rusher and has almost twice as many carries as Peterson. He has 42 carries for 170 yards and zero touchdowns.

    The entire Saints rushing attack has been very poor this season scoring only one touchdown and combining for a measly 376 yards. They are ranked 29th in the league in rushing, just above Tampa Bay, Miami, and (ironically) Arizona.

    This could end up being a steal for Arizona if they utilize Peterson as their primary back.

    “We are always on the lookout for opportunities to improve our team and we look at this as one of those opportunities,” Cardinals general manager Steve Keim said in a statement. “What Adrian has accomplished in this league is well-established. Our need for a spark in our running game right now is also obvious and we are excited to give him the chance to provide that.”

    There’s no reason why Peterson can’t return to his MVP-form for the Cardinals. In 2015, Peterson led the league in rushing attempts (327), yards (1,485), rushing touchdowns (11), and yards per game (92.8).

    Don’t let Peterson’s age fool you. We have seen other 30-plus-year-old running backs have success in the NFL this season. Look at the impact LeGarrette Blount has had on the Eagles offense. He has helped balance the passing attack and created more opportunities for Carson Wentz.

    Peterson could do the same for Carson Palmer and the Cardinals offense.

    Mike Murphy
    Michael Murphy
    Contributor
    maddogmurph55
    Basically, I'm Johnny Drama, but wishing he was Ari Gold. On a serious note I have been published in a few publications during my career including CSNPhilly.com and The Eagles Wire of USA TODAY SMG.
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