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How Chris Thompson has become the Redskins most reliable offensive weapon

By Jacob Camenker

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 24: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins runs the football into the endzone for his second touchdown in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 24: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins runs the football into the endzone for his second touchdown in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 24: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with Morgan Moses #76 and quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 24: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with Morgan Moses #76 and quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The running back rotation has allowed Thompson to thrive

While it was widely expected that Rob Kelley and Samaje Perine would take over as the primary option in the running game, that has not entirely been the case. Kelley came into the year as the lead back, but in the first week of the season, he was unable to establish himself as a top runner. Thing changed against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2, but he ended up missing the second half with an injury.

As a result, Perine took over as the primary runner for the next week and a half. He did well, but the real thing that helped the Redskins to succeed was the presence of Thompson.

Thompson has mostly mixed into the rotation as a receiving back, but the explosive plays that he has had as a running back do enough to keep opposing defenses honest. While he has only run the ball 14 times, he leads the team with 119 yards and two rushing touchdowns. His athletic ability and speed have allowed him to find open spaces and get to them quickly. That is something that neither Kelley nor Perine possess.

Because of his different abilities, Thompson has fit in very well with the backfield by committee approach. While many teams search for a workhorse back, the Redskins have found four guys who can definitely make an impact in different ways. Thompson with his pass catching ability and explosiveness. Kelley with his ability to consistently gain positive yardage. Perine with his upside and ability to execute in zone blocking schemes. And, of course, Mack Brown, and effective back with great special teams ability.

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This group has allowed the Redskins to pick and choose which backs to use in each situation. Thompson fits well as the third down, change of pace back who can come in a change the game at any moment. That is how the Redskins are using him, and that is why he has been so successful.

At the same time, the Redskins have avoided overusing Thompson. They have played him on 43 percent of snaps this year, which leads the running back corps, but still isn’t altogether too much. This is to protect him from suffering an injury from taking too many hits. This is something that Jay Gruden has expressed concern about in the past, especially because of Thompson’s 5-foot-8 frame.

If Thompson was overutilized, the Redskins may not have him for a full season. But Gruden has figured out the right amount to utilize him, and that bodes well for his continued success in the offensive scheme.

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