The Washington Redskins need to establish a strong run attack in order to compete in the NFC East. That attack needs more than Alfred Morris to get the job done. Matt Jones will take carries away from Morris to add to the Redskins ground game.
Morris may have hit the century mark in yardage in 2014, but the team still ranked 19th in the league on the ground. Being ranked in the back half of the league in that stat column is enough to want to go after a special player in free agency or in the draft.
In this case the team decided to wait until the third round of this year’s to go after Matt Jones with the 95th overall selection. This was a smart move that could add immediate impact to the running game.
This former Florida Gator has more than just good ball security and ability to move the pile after contact. Jones is alert and excels in pass protection. He knows his assignment immediately and reacts promptly to protect his QB. Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins or whoever is lining up under center will appreciate staying vertical due to this talented rookie from the “pan handle”.
While pass protection may be one of the reasons he was drafted, I’m certain that Washington was still looking at the obvious, his sheer size, speed and good hands as a reason to pick him up as a third down back. However I believe by the middle of the season, this Seffner, Florida native will be splitting time with Morris.
The Redskins will get at least 1800 yards on the ground this year and I am predicting that 850 of it will be courtesy of the new Gator in town. Good luck Matt. The Redskins need you in a tough NFC EAST.
Jermaine Lockett is the CEO and a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook.
