Adrian Peterson: Critics who think I'm too old 'don't know football'

The Washington Redskins made a splash Monday by signing free agent running back Adrian Peterson to a one-year, veteran minimum contract.

The 33-year-old rusher has his fair share of doubters after struggling last season with the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals. Despite a career-low in yards per carry, Peterson insists his production last season does not tell the entire story.

"(Critics that say I've slowed down) shows me that people don't really know about football," Peterson said, according to NFL.com's Herbie Teope. "Because I feel like people that know the game of football, they know different situations the player might be in. So when people go back and say 'oh, 3.4 yards a carry,' there's a lot that contributes to that as well.

"So I just brush it off and continue to work because at the end of the day, I control my output."

The Redskins' backfield has been decimated by injuries. Derrius Guice will miss the entire season with a torn ACL, while Chris Thompson and Samaje Perine should both be ready for the start of the regular season.

Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said Tuesday he would like to give his new running back some work during Friday's preseason game against the Denver Broncos, according to Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper.

"(Peterson) wasn't even breathing heavy (during practice)," Gruden told reporters. "He's in fantastic physical shape."