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Redskins Deep Dive: An in-depth evaluation of the running backs

By Conor Forrest

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Derrius Guice #29 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball as Tavon Wilson #32 of the Detroit Lions defends during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Derrius Guice #29 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball as Tavon Wilson #32 of the Detroit Lions defends during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 14: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins rushes the ball against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField on October 14, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 14: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins rushes the ball against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField on October 14, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Running back overview

The running back position has evolved in so many ways over the years. Big tailbacks like Jamal Lewis, Jerome Bettis, and Craig Hayward were known for their sheer size and strength. But the days of 240+ pound stout, bruising running backs are, for the most part, long in the history books. That is thanks to the seismic shift in how the game is viewed. Today’s NFL football is made for the quarterback and because of that, it’s never been easier to throw the ball.

Where once running the ball on first down was a given, and establishing the run early was a key philosophy, statistics simply don’t support the narrative. Passing the ball generally produces a higher ceiling for gaining yards that running the ball does, more specifically in regards to first-down plays. But that doesn’t change the importance of the running back. In fact, in many ways, it increases its value.

How? The increasing trend in offenses attacking through the air opens up a new breed of leaner, shiftier, and more athletic running backs. Joe Mixon, Sony Michel, and Alvin Kamara all are prime examples of this new era of football. The passing game gives offensive coordinators the ability to use running backs outside in split formations as an extra receiver. Most quarterbacks can call them to be extra blockers in a pinch. Read options, zone-reads, pitch plays, and screens have never been a more effective way of spreading out defenses than right now.

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The increased value of running backs is reflected in massive contracts that span across the NFL. From Ezekiel Elliot’s six-year, $90 million in Dallas, to Christian McCaffery’s four-year, $64 million extension in Carolina, money is there to be made for running backs who produce.

With all that said, no running back ever fits one mold. Each brings a different style and aspect to the game, which leads to much needed and utilized diversity within depth charts league-wide. The Redskins, for example, were able to use Adrian Peterson’s thunderous style of downhill bruising on first and second downs, while Chris Thompson would carry the load on third-down plays when passing the ball required an extra receiver.

There really isn’t just one way to make it work. Creativity is always required.

Where do the Redskins stand this offseason? Let’s take a look.

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