New Orleans Saints: Is Adrian Peterson the spark they need?
Last season wasn’t the best for the New Orleans Saints but is their new addition, Adrian Peterson the perfect player to take them to the next level?
For the past two years, the New Orleans Saints have suffered disappointing seasons. The blame can be laid at many feet from coaching staff, players, and so on. Either way, the Saints have had enough and are starting this season fresh. What originally plagued them could soon be resolved by none other than Adrian Peterson.
Many blame the Saints defense and they have a right to. The Saints defense is the main reason why they keep losing. They don’t make plays when they need to, let opposing running backs run all over them and allow big plays. It’s simple; they need to get better and the Saints are slowly getting there.
Offensively, the team is anchored by Drew Brees, but it can’t all be about the passing game. The run game has to come in sometime, too. Mark Ingram is a pretty solid running back, but has only rushed for 1,000 yards once. Last season was easily the best year for Ingram, but it wasn’t enough as the Saints didn’t have a consistent running attack.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
As one of the greatest running backs of all time, Adrian Peterson is exactly what the Saints have been looking for. He’s extremely talented as noted by his multiple 1,000-yard seasons, a future Hall-of-Famer and a fresh face in the Big Easy. As a new addition to the team, he brings a glimmer of hope especially in the eyes Brees.
When asked about Peterson, Brees had a lot to say, via Pro Football Talk:
"“He looks the part. It has been impressive. Obviously, you admired the guy from afar. I have played in a few Pro Bowls with him, so I do have a little bit of that experience. There is something about handing the ball off to that guy and watching him run through the hole and take on anybody who tries to tackle him.” When another future HOF is saying that, it’s a huge compliment."
Peterson has also received praise from other players and the coaching staff. His presence is something to be excited about for good reason. Finally, the Saints are able to solidify their running game, take the pressure off Brees and give their defense a much-needed rest. There’s a lot of good Peterson brings with him to his new team.
Like I mentioned earlier, Peterson is going into a completely new situation, but that’s why I think he’s such a key piece. He’s going to be able to get the team hyped up, teach the rookies and become a new face of the franchise. He’s going to bring a Hall-of-Fame attitude to the team and that’s exactly what’s been missing for so long.
Next: NFL 2017: Dark horse MVP candidate from each team
The Saints might not have always been down for AD, but now it looks like one of their free agency moves. He’s going to bring the attitude, new fans and a new outlook for the Saints. As fans, what else can we ask for? Paired with a great quarter, a group of great receivers, fellow running backs and a defense on the rise, it’s going to be a new era.