Redskins Look Good at Running Back For 2015
By Chris West
Nov 2, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) rushes for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 29-26. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Alfred Morris rushed for over 1000 yards again in 2014 as he did in his other 2 seasons since being drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 6th round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Morris’ 1,074 yards and 4.1 ypc were both career lows and a disappointing season for him.
Morris was used more in the passing game, finishing with career highs of 17 receptions and 155 receiving yards. Morris was under used as rookie HC Jay Gruden abandoned the running game on an almost weekly basis. Morris thrived in his rookie season when given the ball more as the game wore on.
Morris had 14 carries or less in 7 of his 16 games in 2014. In 2012, the Redskins were 9-1 when Morris had over 20 carries in the game. In 2014, their record was 2-1 when Morris had more than 20 carries. Morris might not be the ideal back for Gruden’s system but he needs to get his opportunities in every game.
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Roy Helu fit Gruden’s pass heavy system well. His 42 catches for 477 yards led all Redskin RBs. Helu also added 40 runs for 216 yards and a nifty 5.4 ypc.
It is doubtful that Helu will return to the Redskins in 2015
Helu struggled in pass protection as did Morris in 2014. Many sacks allowed by the Redskins in 2014 can be directly attributed to failures by the Redskin RBs to make key blocks in the backfield and protect the QB. Helu was very good in pass protection previous to 2014.
It is doubtful that Helu will return to the Redskins in 2015. He is a free agent and can sign with any team. Helu will most likely be offered more from other teams than the Redskins will be willing to offer.
Undrafted rookie Silas Redd had an opportunity to get carries on the field when Helu missed most of 3 games. Redd had 16 carries for 75 yards and 8 receptions for 107 yards. Redd, while not as quick and explosive as Helu, showed himself to be a very good replacement in limited offensive snaps.
Chris Thompson also had a chance to play in his second season when Helu was injured. Thompson saw time in 3 games with 3 carries for 12 yards and 6 catches for 27 yards. Thompson has breakaway speed and could provide a nice change of pace to the tough yards gained by Morris and Redd.
Neither Redd or Thompson showed any more inclination to pass block than Morris or Helu. The only RB on the team who has been a consistent blocker is FB Darrel Young. The problem is, Gruden chose to sit Young in favor of a third WR or second TE for most of the season.
Gruden finally chose to give Young more time on offense late in the season. It paid off for the Redskins when Young scored twice on goal line carries in a week 16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Young has been an effective receiver for the Redskins in past seasons and he did catch TDs in the second and third games of 2014.
Neither Redd or Thompson showed any more inclination to block than Morris or Helu
All of the Redskins RBs would be wise to spend time in the off-season working on their pass blocking and blitz pick up. Playing time on passing downs may go to whoever shows the greatest improvement in this area in training camp. Young could pick up time on third downs if none of the other RBs look effective pass blocking.
If Helu leaves in free agency, the Redskins will add a RB or 2 either late in the draft or as undrafted rookie free agents like Redd. With Morris, Redd and Thompson all still on their rookie contracts in 2015, the Redskins will likely save money and let Helu leave in 2015.
In 2016, Morris is eligible for free agency and the Redskins will have to decide how important he will still be to their success. I expect Morris to have another excellent season in 2015 as he looks to sign a bigger contract in 2016.