Riggo's Rag
FanSided

3 Keys to victory for Washington Redskins in Week 11 vs. Saints

By Jacob Camenker

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Wide receiver Maurice Harris #13 of the Washington Redskins runs for several yards during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Wide receiver Maurice Harris #13 of the Washington Redskins runs for several yards during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 2: Running back Samaje Perine #32 of the Washington Redskins rushes the ball during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 2: Running back Samaje Perine #32 of the Washington Redskins rushes the ball during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

3. Establish a running game with Samaje Perine

With Rob Kelley out for the rest of the season, the Redskins have little depth at the running back position. The team waived Mack Brown to make room for some needed offensive line depth, but they lost him to the Minnesota Vikings on waivers. Now, the team has just three backs on their active roster, including the recently signed Byron Marshall, a former Eagle.

Of all the runners on the roster, Samaje Perine is the one with the most potential. The rookie fourth rounder out of Oklahoma was one of the best running backs in college football prior to being selected by Washington. He was overshadowed by Joe Mixon, but was generally a strong runner with good vision. After spending much of the year as a backup option, it appears that he is going to be taking over the lead back role.

Perine has the ability to wear a defense out. That much is clear. He has a 235 pound frame and was noted for his freakish strength during his college days. At the pro level, he has not yet been able to show off this strength, but he will now have a chance to do just that. Running behind the competent Redskins offensive line and getting more carries should really get him going. And he does project to be the kind of back that gets better as a game goes on.

More from Riggo's Rag

On Sunday, Perine will get a chance to make a strong first impression. While he started in place of Kelley once earlier in the season, he was largely overshadowed by Chris Thompson and generally couldn’t do much to inspire a change at the top of the depth chart. But now, with a half season more experience under his belt, he could be ready.

The Redskins need to have a running game if they want to be successful. Earlier in the year, the team found a good deal of offensive success thanks to the balanced offense they were running. They didn’t ask Kirk Cousins and his shoddy receiving corps to do too much, and that led to victories. In the less balanced weeks, the Skins have been prone to becoming one dimensional and predictable, and that has certainly hurt them.

Perine needs to get going early on Sunday to give Washington a chance to win. They need to be able to run the ball and keep it away from Drew Brees and his stellar offensive unit. If Washington can’t run, they won’t win the time of possession battle. And if they can’t do that, they won’t be able to win the game.

Home/Commanders News