Redskins' Peterson excited about new offensive direction under Callahan
Jay Gruden is gone, and tailback Adrian Peterson is pleased about new Washington Redskins interim head coach Bill Callahan's emphasis on establishing the running game.
"I'm hyped about it man. You look at the first four weeks that I've played, it was like - what, 11, 12, 10, seven carries - like totally opposite of what we did last year when we were more successful as a team," Peterson said to reporters Thursday, including The Washington Times' Matthew Paras.
The Redskins have run for just 344 yards this year - the sixth-worst mark in the league - while passing on 69% of their plays. During his first press conference as head coach of the team, Callahan stressed that a new offensive focus for the 0-5 Redskins is one of his top priorities.
"I'd like to get our run game going," said Callahan, according to Redskins.com's Zach Selby. "I think that's important because everything else is complementary off it - the run action, passes and protections off of it complement your running game."
Callahan added, "Running the ball sets an attitude, sets a physical style, it sends a message and it puts confidence in your line and your backs."
Peterson previously clashed with Gruden, who preferred injury-prone youngster Derrius Guice (who's returned to the injured reserve) leading his backfield. The veteran now seems hopeful and eager thanks to his new situation with Callahan.
"Obviously something wasn't working so there needs to be some type of change, so it feels good to have this change," added the Oklahoma product. "It's what it's gonna take for us to get going as an offense."
Here’s Peterson on the Redskins’ plan to recommit to the run pic.twitter.com/ynINRsjlda
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 10, 2019
The 12-year pro also spoke about a new energy he feels around the club this week.
"The things we have noticed, I know I've noticed, has been felt across the locker room is the tempo, you know, the urgency in practice," said the seven-time All-Pro, according to ESPN's John Keim.
"Guys are out workin' and grindin' and it reminds me of when I was in Minnesota or when I was down in New Orleans, it reminds me of those types of practices," he added.
The Redskins take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in a Week 6 battle of winless teams.