2015 Redskins’ Training Camp Battles
By jonfox
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
Throughout the league, teams are getting ready for the start of their training camps. And in these camps, teams sort out the starters for the upcoming season. In the Redskins training camp, what will be the biggest fights for starting jobs?
Alfred Morris vs Matt Jones
Alfred Morris has the biggest advantage that anyone in Washington DC can have: he’s the incumbent. Sometimes that’s enough to save your job in that town. However, he’s headed into a contract season with a GM who didn’t draft him and isn’t seriously discussing an extension with him. Also, GM Scot McCloughan drafted a RB more to the power based man blocking system to his liking in Matt Jones.
Morris also has another advantage: Jay Gruden. Gruden, by all accounts, is on a bit of a hot seat and probably won’t want to add risk and question marks by starting a rookie RB over Alfred Morris unless the rookie is clearly the better player during camp and the preseason. However, Jones could easily become the third down back considering the skill he’s showed at pass blocking and receiving at Florida.
Ultimately, it’s Gruden’s call and he wants as little controversy as is possible. If Jones is head and shoulders the better player, he’ll have to at least split the carries. If Jones is a much better pass blocker, he’ll get the 3rd down snaps. Otherwise, expect Alfred Morris to be the starter for at least the first half of the season.
Odds of the starter being unseated by week 1: 10%
Next: Andre Roberts vs Jamison Crowder