TRADE GREAT: PETERSON BREAKS OUT
With future Hall of Famer gone, Ingram also sparkles
Talk about a trade helping both teams. In his first game since being dealt from the Saints to the Cardinals, Adrian Peterson ran 26 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns Sunday against the Buccaneers. Meanwhile, unencumbered by Peterson’s presence, the Saints’ Mark Ingram had 30 touches for 150 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions.
Let’s start with Peterson, who seemingly found the fountain of youth in the desert. The 32- yearold had his best game since Nov. 29, 2015, when he ran for 158 yards and two scores. He clearly has plenty left in the tank, and he reinvigorated a Cardinals offense desperate for balance since David Johnson was lost to a wrist injury.
And the schedule portends more success for Peterson. Next, he’ll face the Rams, who have allowed the most points to running backs. After the bye, he’ll face the 49ers, who have allowed the second- most. After tough matchups with the Seahawks and Texans, Peterson gets the Jaguars ( 10th- most) and Rams again.
Peterson had a noticeable effect on Carson Palmer, who had a productive day despite throwing a season- low 22 passes ( his previous low was 36). Palmer completed 18 for 283 yards and three touchdowns. Peterson kept the Buccaneers’ attention, and the threat of play- action figures to do the same for future foes.
Andre Ellington felt the adverse effect. He entered the game as the top receiver among all running backs with 28 catches, but he didn’t touch the ball against the Bucs. With the running game rolling and the Cardinals leading throughout, they didn’t need Ellington. His value takes a hit, but don’t bail on him yet, especially in PPR leagues.
As for Johnson, coach Bruce Arians said last week the earliest he could return is Thanksgiving. Arians initially hoped he’d return by Christmas. Either way, Peterson will be the feature back at least up to the fantasy playoffs. He won’t figure in the passing game, so consider him an RB2. But his ceiling appears higher than most thought.
Back in New Orleans, Ingram looked like his old self, too. He had his most carries ( 25) since Nov. 9, 2014, when he had 27. That just happened to be the same season he went to the Pro Bowl. What’s more, he had five rushes inside the 10- yard line, from where he scored twice. They were his most close- in carries since 2014, as well.
Alvin Kamara still will get his share of the action, but he’s more of a receiving threat. And keep in mind, Ingram had his big game even though Kamara ran 10 times for 75 yards. The Saints’ offense can support two running backs. If Ingram maintains his workload and keeps getting carries in the red zone, he’s RB1 material.