Redskins: Five bold predictions for the 2019 regular season
By Ian Cummings
No. 5 – Redskins RB Derrius Guice rushes for 1,250 yards, makes Pro Bowl
It’s already been essentially confirmed by Jay Gruden that Derrius Guice will be the focal point of the Redskins offense. Much like the 2018 season, Washington plans on playing ball control offense, limiting mistakes, and using their second-round running back to establish the run, and therefore set up the pass.
Of course, there’s no statistical evidence that backs up the assertion that establishing the run is necessary, and an offense built around the running game is inherently inefficient. But that doesn’t mean a running back can’t succeed in spite of team stagnation. Saquon Barkley logged over 1,300 rushing yards and over 2,000 yards from scrimmage last year, in a season where the Giants went 5-11.
There isn’t always a correlation between individual running back success and team success. And that’s why Derrius Guice will be one of the bright spots in an overall disappointing season for Washington. He’ll remain healthy, and show why he was mentioned in the same breath as Barkley in draft season.
With his vision, explosiveness, and relentless drive through contact, Guice will make a habit of making the extraordinary play. He’ll be a much more efficient rusher than Adrian Peterson was last year, and while the Redskins won’t string together wins, Guice will achieve a personal victory; just one year after tearing his ACL, he’ll rush for over 1,250 yards, and his quick breakout will enthrall the nation, and earn him his first Pro Bowl bid. For a young Redskins team, it’ll be a sign of future promise.