Washington Redskins putting together a potent red zone lineup

Much has been made of the Washington Redskins’ red zone woes in recent years. Can the team’s new pieces help set up improvement in this area?

Despite having some pieces and an offensive-minded coach, the Washington Redskins have never been able to put together a competent, consistent attack in the red zone. Last year, the team improved on a 2016 red zone efficiency number that ranked them near dead last in the NFL. But even with that improvement, they’re still around the middle of the pack.

That said, there are a number of key factors that suggest that the Washington Redskins are due for an uptick in red zone production. Josh Doctson, an athletic receiver, is still ascending, and players such as Jamison Crowder and Trey Quinn should have no trouble gaining separation inside the 20-yard line. Paul Richardson, with his natural quickness, should also be able to contribute there, and Chris Thompson’s versatility makes him a valuable weapon anywhere on the field, if he can come back fully healthy.

The arrival of Alex Smith should also help, in that regard. Smith is very efficient in the red zone; While Kirk Cousins threw 17 touchdowns to three interceptions inside the 20-yard line last year, Alex Smith threw 13 touchdowns and no interceptions. He’s safer with the football, and he takes shots when he has them.

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In his transition year with the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith led the Chiefs’ offense to a year in which they finished fifth in red zone efficiency at 59.7 percent. In the year prior to Smith’s arrival in Kansas City, the Chiefs logged a red zone efficiency figure of 27 percent. Smith has shown throughout his career that he doesn’t shy away from change, and in a Washington Redskins offense with plenty of weapons and an above-average offensive line, Smith should be able to help the Washington Redskins improve from their 54.4 conversion rate last year. He also ensures that the read option remains a threat in that area of the field; His running ability is better than Kirk Cousins’, and with Derrius Guice lining up beside him, defenses will need to account for both as dangerous red zone threats.

Speaking of Guice, his arrival, along with the supposed return of Jordan Reed, is perhaps the biggest red zone development for the Washington Redskins. Last year, the Washington Redskins’ running backs only had three total touchdowns inside the red zone; One by Samaje Perine, one by Chris Thompson, and one by Robert Kelley. In the red zone, the three combined for 46 carries and 97 yards on the year. That averages to less than three red zone carries per game for all Washington Redskins running backs combined.

With a talented back like Guice at the helm, the Washington Redskins will be able to implement the ground game more often in the red zone. Rather than relying on the passing game out of necessity, due to a lack of talent, Jay Gruden will be able to get creative with his play calling. This should not only improve the efficiency of the Washington Redskins offense, but also allow Guice the best opportunities to make plays.

Next: Five Redskins veterans who have an uphill battle in 2018

If Jordan Reed can stay healthy and reaffirm his availability to the Washington Redskins, then their red zone offense would have great potential. We’ve seen glimpses of what this team can be inside the 20; In 2015, they ranked just outside the top ten in red zone efficiency, and Jordan Reed was a key part of that. With a refurbished supporting cast and a quarterback who has the skill set to excel in that area, the Washington Redskins’ red zone woes could dissipate in 2018.

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