Redskins Position Group Breakdown: Running Backs
July 21, 2017
Around this time last year, the Redskins were heading into training camp and preseason with oodles of unproven backs, one of the very few controversial positions on the offensive side. Matt Jones was the starting back heading into week 1 of 2016, who, after a multitude of mistakes, has now found himself slipping down to the 5th string back. The state of the running back position headed into training camp this year is in a far better position than a year ago.
Robert Kelley is the team’s number 1 back. He earned that nod after his 9 game stretch last year as a starter, essentially putting the final dagger in Matt Jones as a Washington Redskin. Kelley is a solid back whose elusiveness, vision, and toughness has meshed well with this constantly improving offensive line. If the blocking isn’t there for Kelley, that’s fine, he’s able to make a defender or two miss to minimize a loss of yards.
Over the past two years, Chris Thompson has worked to become one of the better 3rd down backs in the NFL. He’s averaged 5.5 yards per carry over his career. Last year he had career highs in rush attempts, rush yards, receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in a year. He finished the season with 705 yards from scrimmage and 5 total touchdowns. His vision, route running, and hands is what makes him the team’s Swiss army knife out of the backfield. He’s fearless and has become the leading example of how to block out of the backfield on passing plays. I’m looking forward to seeing him continue to grow within this offense.
Fourth round draft pick Samaje Perine has quite a bit of hype surrounding him coming into the season. Last year, many fans were in love with Keith Marshall, and this year, that fascination has transferred over to Samaje. It’s a wait-and-see with Perine, but he’s probably the teams Michael Turner, or Derrick Ward. This year Samaje is looked at by many as the frontrunner to supplant Rob Kelley as the team’s number 1 running back.
Not to be the lead hype man of this position, but, the potential production of the stable of backs this year will be closer to elite than average. The Redskins finished 21st in the NFL in rushing yards last year with 1,696. To compare with a division rival, Dallas, the 2nd best rush team last year had 2,396 yards on the ground last year. Expect the Redskins to top 1,850 yards this year, which would put them in the top 10 as a rush offense.
The Competition
The backs behind Kelley, Thompson, and Perine will be fighting for the 4th and likely final roster spot at that position. Matt Jones will have to have a mighty impressive training camp and preseason to convince the coaches he’s worth keeping on this roster, as of now he’s on his last leg. Mack Brown showed flashes in the 2016 preseason and in the regular season’s week 16 game vs. Chicago. He’s a capable of contributing on special teams as well as spotting a back if injured, or in need of a breather.
Keith Marshall completes the last of the running backs. The 220 pound running back has blazing speed, but needs to learn how to slow down and scan the field. His vision and patience is lacking, but the speed is there, and that’s always a weapon for a player. Marshall is capable of being an elite return man because of his straight line speed, but, like Mack Brown, special teams may be in his future, so in my opinion he has a good chance to get that 4th spot if healthy.
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