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Redskins QB Alex Smith has never had a weapon like Chris Thompson

By Ian Cummings

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /
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A running game can go a long way. A versatile running game can go even further.

Having a running game is a privilege Redskins quarterback Alex Smith has enjoyed for much of his career. In twelve full seasons, Smith has had the pleasure of playing with two all-time greats in Frank Gore and Jamaal Charles.

When Charles inevitably declined and left Kansas City, it didn’t take long for Smith to find another running back to help him direct a balanced offense. Kareem Hunt smoothened the transition in 2017, leading the league in rushing yards as a rookie, as well as providing an outlet in the passing game.

Now with the Redskins, Smith has his next lead back in Derrius Guice. But while he’s always had the premier lead running back, Smith has rarely had an extra weapon in the passing game. Specialized for the passing game. Jamaal Charles was that versatile weapon in 2013, the last time Smith was forced to adjust to a new scheme. But aside from that season, the closest thing Smith has had to a productive receiving back is Brian Westbrook, who came to San Francisco as a washed-up free agent in 2010. The next closest after that? Kendall Hunter.

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While Charles and Gore both provided value in the passing game, Smith has never had a reliable complimentary back. He’s never had a weapon who can simultaneously provide rest for the lead back, while also serving as an electric threat in the passing game. He’s never had that. And now, with the Redskins,  he does.

Chris Thompson is a type of player Smith’s never had. Thompson can come in and serve as a sparkplug in the running game, but in the passing game, he’s an invaluable asset. Thompson’s ability to take screens, short pass up the middle, and dump offs far down the field is unmatched. Few backs in the NFL can make so much out of nothing like Thompson. He had over 500 receiving yards in less than 11 games last year. Normal backs don’t do that.

Smith’s lead backs, in the past, have had receiving ability. But the notion that Smith will suffer from losing Kareem Hunt and inheriting Washington’s running back stable is outdated. In Kansas City last year, he had Hunt, and no one else. In Washington, he has Derrius Guice, one of the best running backs in the most recent NFL Draft. And he has Chris Thompson. With multiple weapons, Smith can keep both backs fresh, and use them both at their highest potential. While other backs might be overworked, the Redskins’ running back room won’t have that problem. There are too many options.

The Redskins running game will go through Derrius Guice, but the passing game will depend heavily on Chris Thompson. Thompson is a running back who demands attention up the middle, and with his presence, the defense will have to choose. Do they dare to attempt tackling Thompson? Or do they account for him, and leave the slot open for Jamison Crowder, Paul Richardson, Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis, Trey Quinn, et cetera?

Next: Ranking Redskins games by difficulty in 2018

Alex Smith plays his mismatches well. And he’s never had a mismatch quite like Chris Thompson. It’s gonna be fun.

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