When the Washington Redskins drafted Brandon Scherff with the fifth overall pick of the most recent draft, they showed again their dedication to adapting a more power-based running game than the zone-based attack in previous years.
While most draft experts believed Scherff was better fitted as a guard, the Redskins had him go through OTAs and the first part of training camp at the tackle position. Eventually they kicked in their first round pick to the interior, which allowed Morgan Moses to take over the right tackle position.
A former third round pick out of the University of Virginia, Moses has a lone start to his record, making the Redskins’ right side a potentially big question mark heading into the season.
It’s hard to take results in the opening preseason game too serious, but if it is any indication, then Washington could have a running game that differs but carries the same results as their 2012 team that led the NFL in rushing.
Led by Robert Griffin III’s zone read attack, the Redskins averaged nearly 170 yards per game during the regular season. With RGIII‘s threat as a runner still truly in question, Washington decided to convert to a more traditional ground attack.
Redskins Power Run Game Impressive In Preseason Opener
After a quick turnover on the offensive line – the team will have three new full-time starters up front – Washington has the look of a traditional running game that will look to overpower the opposition.
The Washington offensive line dominated the Cleveland Browns to the tune of 153 yards in their opening preseason win on the road. While in the game, the starters continually pushed a very good Browns’ front seven off the line and created holes for starter Alfred Morris.
Morris will be joined in the backfield by rookie running back Matt Jones, who the Redskins used a third round pick on in this past draft. The big bruising back who received some Marshawn Lynch comparisons due to his running style is a perfect fit for a team that is looking to power the ball in between the tackles.
Before leaving the game to be evaluated for a potential concussion – he would eventually be cleared to play, but did not re-enter the game – Jones showed that running style, barreling 38 yards on five carries with one being a 23 year scamper.
Combined with Morris, the tandem rushed for 80 yards on just 13 carries (6.15 yards per attempt). If they were supposed to be the weak link on the line heading into the season they didn’t show it, especially in the run game, as the Redskins’ running backs found the majority of their success running the ball to the right.
Even though Jones played with the second team, he enjoyed just as much success running to the right, as he and Morris had seven combined carries go that way – amassing 67 of their 80 total yards rushing.
Most teams don’t want to reveal too much of what they have planned for the regular season, opting for more simple play calls during the preseason. For the Redskins, they gave teams exactly a dose of what to expect against the Browns.
If Washington does find some success this season, it will look a lot like it did in Cleveland, on the legs of Morris and Jones.
Griffin Up and Down In Debut
RGIII played to mixed results in the opener, completing four of eight passes for 36 yards. He also ran for a first down – didn’t slide – and got taken down with a pretty decent hit by a Browns defender. He had one of his passes dropped by Pierre Garcon, who was wide open down the field and would have likely scored.
After that the Redskins seemed hesitant to throw the ball down the field with Griffin in the game, although he did complete a nice pass to Ryan Grant across his body on a bootleg for a first down.
Niles Paul Out For Season, Silas Redd Jr Possibly As Well
It was a tough night for the Redskins, as several players were injured, joining an already growing list of people out. Most notably were Paul and Redd, who both could be lost for the entire year. Paul fractured and dislocated his ankle while blocking on a running play and will be out for the rest of the season. As of now, it is believed that Redd has tears in both his ACL and MCL which would put him out for all of 2015. With Jordan Reed currently nursing an injury – not to mention his long history of getting hurt – as well as Logan Paulsen potentially needing season-ending surgery, Paul was in line to be the team’s starter. Redd was fighting for a roster spot after the Redskins brought in Jones via the draft.
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