The Washington Redskins finished No. 28 in rushing offense in 2017. They need a difference-maker in the backfield in 2018 to take this offense to another level.
The Washington Redskins were one of the NFL’s best running teams from 2010-13 when former head coach Mike Shanahan was in charge. Shanahan, who employed the famous zone-blocking scheme, could seemingly turn any running back into a 1,000-yard rusher. Alfred Morris was a sixth-round pick in 2012 and went on to rush for over 1,000 yards in his first two seasons under Shanahan.
When Shanahan was fired after the 2013 season, the Redskins hired another offensive mastermind in Jay Gruden. While Washington’s offense has been one of the league’s best over the last few years under Gruden, the running game hasn’t been a big reason why. When Shanahan departed, the Redskins focused more on a power-blocking scheme with mixed results.
In 2017, the Redskins began the season with oft-injured Rob Kelley as the starting running back. Kelley, true to form, was always hurt. And when he’s healthy, he struggles to find open lanes and leaves yardage on the field. Chris Thompson is terrific in his role. Gruden doesn’t want to add any more to Thompson’s plate and that shouldn’t change in 2018. Samaje Perine showed flashes as a rookie but has a long ways to go.
Washington, when healthy, has an outstanding offensive line. There is a hole at left guard that will need to be filled this offseason but standouts like Trent Williams, Morgan Moses and Brandon Scherff will return.
It’s more important than ever that Washington, with new quarterback Alex Smith, adds some talent in the backfield. Whether it’s free agency or the draft, expect the Redskins to have plenty of options. Here are five possible players the Redskins could target this offseason.