Washington Redskins: Should They Add a Veteran Running Back?
By Nick Ziegler
The Washington Redskins will be looking to build off of the momentum they started last season, but there is still some work that needs to be done.
It was a bit of a shock to see the Washington Redskins win the NFC East last season, as they were able to capitalize on key injuries within their division. The most notable improvement for the Redskins was the play from the quarterback position. The organization decided to move forward with Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback, and he was able to have a great season.
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In 2015, Cousins totaled 4,166 passing yards, 29 touchdown passes, and 11 interceptions. The improved passing attack finally gave the Redskins’ offense some life, as they went away from their running game that had been successful in recent seasons.
In addition to drafting Cousins in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Redskins also selected running back Alfred Morris. For the past four seasons, Morris has been the Redskins’ leading rusher, as he has totaled over 1,000 rushing yards in three of his four seasons with the Redskins. As a free agent this offseason, Morris signed with the Dallas Cowboys, as the Redskins will be going in a different direction at the position.
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This season, the Redskins will be relying heavily on second-year running back Matt Jones. After being drafted in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, many believed that the running back job would be Jones’ soon rather than later, and he will have his opportunity to shine in 2016. As a rookie, Jones totaled 490 rushing yards, 3.4 yards per carry average, three rushing touchdowns, 19 receptions, 306 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown.
Jones’ best rushing game came against the St. Louis Rams, as he was able to total 123 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. His best overall game was a few weeks later against the New Orleans Saints, as he totaled 56 rushing yards and 131 receiving yards in a blowout win. Jones certainly showed some glimpses last season that he could be a starting running back, but the rookie was far from consistent.
With Morris now gone, the Redskins would be wise to look to add a veteran running back to give them some depth in case something happens to Jones or if he is injured in 2016. Last season, Pierre Thomas was on the roster for the Redskins, and he is certainly still an option to be brought back before the start of the season.
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Another intriguing option for the Redskins would be to add Arian Foster. Foster is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon but intends to play next season. It is hard to predict what level of player Foster will be after his recovery, but the once star running back should be able to be a backup at the worst.
With a lack of depth in the backfield, adding a veteran to help mentor and ease the workload of Jones will be an important thing for the Redskins to accomplish this summer.