Washington Redskins: Matt Jones will be a difference maker
Last year, the Washington Redskins won the NFC East at just 9-7, and heading into the regular season, running back Matt Jones has the potential to be a difference maker in 2016.
In a dominantly passing league, the Washington Redskins are one of the very few teams that are hoping to have a more balanced offensive attack. They are confident in the unique skill-set of running back Matt Jones to come back healthy and live up to his potential.
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As Jones enters his sophomore season, there are some concerns about his hip as he needed surgery this offseason to correct it. Since the Redskins decided to part ways with running back Alfred Morris, Jones is ready to be their starter and make sure their rushing attack doesn’t miss a beat.
If a team is able to commit and establish the run, it opens everything else up offensively. The best teams the NFL has to offer know that a balance of being able to launch a potent running attack combined with an aerial assault will result in plenty of wins. Not only does running the football help eat up the clock but it opens everything else up offensively.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins enjoyed a breakout year straight to an appearance in the NFL Playoffs but one can imagine how deeper the Redskins could have gone with a dominating rushing attack. Even though things didn’t go as planned once they made it to the postseason, it proved that the Redskins have the ability to go the distance with the solid talent they have across the roster.
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Of course Cousins can’t do it alone as an effective running game will allow the Redskins to continue keeping those chains moving.
This mostly in part lies on the shoulders of Jones to prove that last year’s efforts were a small glimpse of what is to come.
Last season, Jones totaled 490 rushing yards, three touchdowns and averaged 11.1 yards per carry.
Since he should be getting the majority of reps at running back, Jones has the opportunity to step up and deliver.
One area Jones needs to improve upon is avoiding fumbles as last year, he totaled five of them and had four result in turnovers. It’s undoubtedly an area that he’ll continue to work on this offseason. Out of all the running backs the Redskins have heading into training camp, Jones gives them the best chances to win plenty of football games with what he brings to the table.
Last season, the Redskins’ offense was too one-dimensional thanks to Cousins leading the charge due to a lack of consistent running game. This time around, it would behoove the Redskins to ensure they make Jones a big part of their offensive game-planning.
So far this offseason, Jones has been noticeably putting in a lot of extra work to prepare for what should be a memorable season. During organized team activities and mandatory mini-camp, he’s been showcasing his speed and football handling.
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Overall, Jones will be a difference maker for the Redskins since not only will he receive the bulk of reps as starter but could potentially be a sleeper this upcoming season. Injuries might have hindered him last season but make no mistake about it, he’s ready to take the NFL by storm in 2016.