The Washington Redskins have relied on their running backs for many years. In 2012 the Redskins selected Alfred Morris in the sixth round. In his first two seasons Morris had over 1,000 yards in each season and 20 total touchdowns in his career. The last two years Morris has the second most rushing yards only behind Adrian Peterson. After becoming a well known player in his rookie year Morris made his first Pro Bowl in the 2013-14 season.
Former Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan drafted Morris who had great success with running backs like Clinton Portis and Terrell Davis. Shanahan ran a zone block scheme that worked very well for his running backs. With Shanahan no longer being the coach, there are big question marks on Morris’ running ability. Morris’ first two seasons he has fumbled the ball nine times.
Jay Gruden the new Washington Redskins head coach was the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals the last three seasons. Gruden has had a running back run at least 1,000 yards the last two out of the three years with the Bengals. He is changing the run block zone scheme that Shanahan liked to run which has been working the past couple of years and he’s going to use the fullback Darrel Young less than we are normally used to. With the new run scheme you will see less stretch runs that Shanahan ran consistently and had great success with.
With the addition of DeSean Jackson and Andre Roberts in the off season they look to make an impact on the Redskins passing offense. Jordan Reed the Redskins tight end last year is coming off an injury and looks to make a comeback. The new additions to the team and Jordan Reed may take some carries away from Morris but will also open up the field for him to run. The Redskins only had one wide receiver who had over 500 yards which made it easier for opposing defenses to stop the run.
Morris will have complimentary players to help him make those explosive plays we have seen his first two seasons. The Redskins drafted a young running back from Baylor Lache Seastrunk who could see some playing time with Roy Helu Jr. if he makes the squad. Helu looked strong his rookie year in 2011 rushing for 640 yards. A running back you want watch out for this preseason is Chris Thompson who is looking very explosive in training camp.
