The Redskins offense lost nearly 2,100 yards of offense with the departure of veterans Pierre Garçon and DeSean Jackson. To offset that amount of production in 2017, Jay Gruden should lean on his stable of running backs.
Washington is a franchise that is known for its smash-mouth style on offense. In the 80’s and early 90’s “The Hogs” paved the way the way for the Redskins three Super Bowl championship teams. During the Gibbs 2.0 era, the Redskins offense featured one of the more underrated backs of his era in Clinton Portis.
A Pro Bowl snub in 2005, Portis ran for 1,516 yards on 352 carries and 11 touchdowns. Two years later, he led the NFL in carries with 325. The Redskins made the playoffs both of those seasons. Even during RGIII’s magical season in 2012, the Redskins offense featured a run-heavy offense that was the driving force behind a NFC East title that year.
It wasn’t until Kirk Cousins began to break his own records that Washington became a passing team. Terrelle Pryor and Josh Doctson provide the Redskins with promise, but it pales-in-comparison to the production of Garcon and Jackson from last season. Jordan Reed is arguably the best tight-end in the NFL, but has yet to play a full season. Heading into 2017 the Redskins offense may be inclined to lean on its rushing attack.
The best unit on the Redskins offense? The offensive line.
Bill Callahan has built a reputation on developing offensive lines. From 2012-14 he was the offensive line coach/offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, who feature one of the better offensive lines in the league right now. In 2015, Callahan’s first season with the Redskins, the team’s offensive line allowed 27 sacks, one year after allowing a staggering 58. In 2016, Washington allowed the fourth-fewest sacks in the NFL with 23.
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The Redskins offensive line features four homegrown talents. Third rounder’s Spencer Long and Morgan Moses have developed into quality starters. Long played well after Kory Lichtenstieger was lost for the season in Week 3. Moses recently became the second-highest paid right tackle in the league after two solid seasons.
Pro Bowlers Brandon Scherff and Trent Williams are two of best at their respective positions. The former first round picks were Pro Bowl teammates in 2016. Williams is a top-5 tackle and Scherff is on the cusp of being an All-Pro performer.
Now entering his third season in Washington, Callahan’s coaching may begin to pay big dividends for the team. With the departure of Sean McVay, Callahan may possibly have more input on Sunday’s. The Redskins were 6-1-1 in games in which they rushed for over 100 yards in 2016.
The backs on the Redskins offense compliment each other well
Although he had only nine starts, Robert Kelley posted solid numbers with 168 carries, 704 yards and six touchdowns. Chris Thompson is an excellent change-of-pace back and is a vital piece on the Redskins offense.
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The true wild card in Washington’s backfield is Samaje Perine. Perine ended his college career as the Sooners all-time leading rusher. At 5-foot-11, 234 pounds, he fits the mold of a true downhill runner. He is capable of being the work horse. Head coach Jay Gruden expressed his excitement about how the Redskins the three backs factor into the Redskins offense, per Redskins.com’s Stephen Czarda.
"“If you are dressed on game day, one of the three that is dressed, you’re going to get carries,” Gruden said. “Whether it’s 18 for Fat Rob and 15 for Perine and five for Chris; however it pans out. They will compete and there is always going to be competition here that’s never going to change.”"
With Matt Jones on the trading block, Gruden is content with the trio of Kelley, Perine, and Thompson. The Redskins offense is doing a bit of addition by subtraction. Although they lost a dynamic duo in Garçon and Jackson, the Redskins added a punishing runner in the back field in Perine to pair with Kelley.
Next: Redskins Post-Draft Stat Predictions
Historically, the Redskins have enjoyed the most success when they are able to get the most out of its rushing attack. It’s imperative that Jay Gruden structures a more balanced playbook for the Redskins offense in 2017. If they are to become an elite offense next season, they’ll need more from their 21st ranked rushing offense.