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The Redskins did not squander the offseason at running back

By Ian Cummings

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 16: Running back Rob Kelley #20 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by defensive tackle Leonard Williams #92 of the New York Jets in the first half of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 16: Running back Rob Kelley #20 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by defensive tackle Leonard Williams #92 of the New York Jets in the first half of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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For a second straight year, the Redskins are stuck with Rob Kelley and Samaje Perine as two of their top running backs, with 33-year old Adrian Peterson to make things seem better.

Contrary to popular belief, however, the Washington Redskins did not squander the offseason at running back. This is a simple case of bad timing and bad luck.

Washington put their full faith and confidence in rookie running back Derrius Guice the moment he became a member of the organization, and with good reason. The second-round pick had a reputation as one of the best backs in the 2018 class. His talent on tape was undeniable, and many had him in parallel straits with Giants rookie Saquon Barkley.

With Guice as a starter, a backup plan consisting of Robert Kelley and Samaje Perine is more than suitable. Neither back is deserving of confidence as a starter, but both have previous starting experience, and both backs achieved some degree of success in their stints as starter. They aren’t talented enough to remain starters. But for depth purposes, Washington had one of the more well-rounded stables in the nation. Kelley and Perine are very good options rotating in for Guice for brief spurts, while Chris Thompson contributes as a receiving back.

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But in early August, Guice went down with an injury. And it was learned soon after that he would not be gone for a brief spurt, but instead the entire 2018 season.

After the Redskins had already forged the plans to unleash Guice, and after most high-value free agent targets were off the market, Guice’s injury sent that plan into a spiraling chaos. The Redskins were consequently stuck in a tough spot; they couldn’t get a substantial upgrade at the running back position, and once again, Kelley and Perine encumbered the top of the depth chart.

Consequently, the Redskins signed Adrian Peterson, and here we are.

Washington’s current running back situation is murky at best. But whatever happens, the front office can not take all the blame. Yes, they didn’t have to sign Adrian Peterson. They could have simply filled the void for preseason and waited for post-preseason roster cuts to free up more players. There’s no guarantee they won’t do that in a couple weeks. But they could have waited, in an effort to avoid the media firestorm and culture concerns that come with hiring Peterson into a committee.

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On a case to case basis, the Redskins have been far from perfect this summer. But let’s not forget that less than a month ago, they had one of the deepest running back positions in the NFL, and a talented rookie at the helm. He’ll be back next year. But for now, the Redskins must make do with the options they have. A lack of resources should not be viewed as incompetence.

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