ASHBURN, Va. -- At this time a year ago, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson took his season from a good one to an MVP one. His knee felt better, and it showed.

The Washington Redskins could use a similar finish from quarterback Robert Griffin III if they want to turn a 3-5 first half into a playoff berth. His knee feels better, and at times, it's showed.

Robert Griffin III has run the ball more effectively of late, as evidenced by this leap for extra yardage on Sunday against the Chargers. AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

If Griffin wants proof that individual play can improve less than a year after a torn ACL, he need only watch Peterson when the teams meet Thursday night.

Because they don't play the same position, it's not a direct comparison. Griffin's passing -- and evolution in the passing game -- was hurt by his lack of an offseason, so even having a knee that feels good won't always help.

Peterson just needed to feel stronger and confident.

"Coming off an injury it's never easy, but you always believe you can go out and just be fine right away," Griffin said. "I think Adrian felt the same way. ... The latter part of his year last year was an amazing run, and people don't even worry about the beginning of the season based on how it ended, and it ended with an MVP for him. I'm not focused on those things. We've got to get another win."

Griffin says he's not focused on individual awards, but he does understand the roller-coaster performances after a torn ACL. Another difference is that Peterson had never torn his before; Griffin first tore his in college. Also, Griffin needed to have his posterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments repaired. Peterson, who had his surgery in late December 2011, did not. Still, both were determined to return for the openers the following season and did so.

Peterson said Griffin spoke with his personal trainer.

"He was able to give information on stuff I did during my recovery and some things that would kind of help him out," Peterson said.

In 2012, Peterson had a good first half with an NFL-best 775 yards, averaging 5.13 yards per carry. It's only 64 more yards than he's gained this season. Then Peterson exploded, finishing with six games of at least 150 yards -- and five with more than 170 -- en route to 2,097 yards.