Re-evaluating the roles of the Washington Redskins running backs

The best offenses have many weapons at their disposal. The Redskins 2018 offense, by this definition, has the potential to be one of the best.

It’s taken a few years for all of the pieces to coalesce, but now, in 2018, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden finally seems to have a complete offensive cast at his disposal.

Gruden’s managed to keep the Redskins’ offense respectable with less, although in 2017, the struggles added by personnel deficiencies were ever-apparent. Gruden made a point out of attempting to establish the run. But with a ravaged offensive line and a bland running back cast, it was hard to find rhythm.

Gruden was stubborn, trying to force the issue on more than one occasion, in an attempt to establish balance. But the offense needed more than commitment. It needed talent. And in 2018, the Redskins didn’t have talent readily available, week in and week out.

Now they do.

Of course, the season is still two months away, and it’s hard to imagine a completely healthy season after last year’s health issues. But it’s also hard to imagine the Redskins getting as unlucky as they did last year. Additionally, with improved depth all across the offense, the team should find it easy to stay afloat, maintaining not only good health, but a healthy balance.

A healthy balance starts with the running game. And the Redskins’ running game is primed to improve a great deal in 2018. What role will each running back take on? Let’s take a look.