Running back Adrian Peterson impressed his new coach in his first preseason game.
Peterson, 33, who agreed to a one-year contract with the Redskins this week, rushed for 56 yards on 11 carries Friday against the Broncos. Washington coach Jay Gruden said he liked what he saw out of Peterson.
“I saw a big guy running pretty hard,” Gruden told reporters after the game (via NBC Sports). “He had … a couple good bounces, and, you know, the thing I like about some of his runs is they look like they’re gains of ones [yard] and he’d fall forward for a gain of three. … I was impressed with Adrian and the way he ran.”
Peterson said his body “responded well” in his first preseason action with the Redskins.
“My body feels good right now,” Peterson said. “It felt good, didn’t get tired, so cardio is where it needs to be and right now I’m looking at it as knocking a little rust off.”
Peterson, a seven-time Pro Bowl player and the 2012 NFL MVP, rushed for 529 yards with two touchdowns in 10 games for the Saints and Cardinals last season.