Starting RB? Shhh... It's a secret.

ATX_Skins · Post by **ATX_Skins** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 4:55 pm

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... -a-secret/

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan knows who his starting running back is going to be this season. But he isn’t telling.

Shanahan said at his press conference today that he has a first choice among the three running backs on his roster (2011 fourth-round pick Roy Helu, 2011 sixth-round pick Evan Royster and 2012 sixth-round pick Alfred Morris), but he considers the question of which one of them will be the primary ball carrier when the Redskins open the season against the Saints to be a secret.

@Redskins
Shanahan says the two sophomore RB's have made "tremendous progression" in pass protection. Starter for Week 1 is known, but a secret.
1 Sep 12 ReplyRetweetFavorite

During his years with the Broncos, Shanahan had a great track record of selecting running backs in the later rounds of the draft and getting production out of them. In Washington he hasn’t been quite as successful on that front yet, but all three of the young running backs on the roster have shown promise. One of those three may just turn out to be one of the league’s leading rushers, as Shanahan had so often with the Broncos, but if Shanahan is expecting that from one of his running backs, he’s not saying which one.

Would anyone like to take a shot at this?

I'm saying Helu.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 5:40 pm

I think it should be Helu if he is healthy enough to practice fully all week. (You know how MS likes you to go "full speed" get in "football shape" and have no "setbacks")

But, since Morris is the healthiest and got the final preseason game off. I'm going with Morris.

ATX_Skins · Post by **ATX_Skins** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 5:49 pm

Morris wouldn't surprise me at all, you may very well be right.

oj · Post by oj » Sat Sep 01, 2012 6:02 pm

Morris with a very conservative game plan to run straight ahead until they figure out how to stop it and then the fun will start. When they commit to stopping morris the game plan will open up.

the poster · Post by **the poster** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 6:27 pm

Steve slaton was just cut

rskin72 · Post by **rskin72** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 6:30 pm

Gotta go with morris, if nothing else due to health.....

gregory smith · Post by **gregory smith** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 7:28 pm

I think it will be Royster. Consistent production between the tackles and better in pass protection. Probably a healthy dose of Helu on 3rd down and as a change up, running outside, etc. Then again Shanahan had seen enough of Morris to rest him in the last game. Hmm... Royster. ?? Maybe Morris. Could be Helu. Royster.

riggofan · Post by **riggofan** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 9:23 pm

gregory smith wrote:I think it will be Royster. Consistent production between the tackles and better in pass protection. Probably a healthy dose of Helu on 3rd down and as a change up, running outside, etc. Then again Shanahan had seen enough of Morris to rest him in the last game. Hmm... Royster. ?? Maybe Morris. Could be Helu. Royster.

I agree with your logic. I think we'll see a healthy dose of Helu and Morris, but the starting RB has to be the guy you trust to both run and pass protect. With Hightower gone, my money is on Royster.