Matt Jones - RB

[emoses14]

Man I was listening to Scot today on Grant & Danny's show. He really sees Matt Jones as a Marshawn Lynch kind of runner. Just violent, downhill, smashmouth running football. I don't know if they'll pull it off, but you're right about what direction he wants to take the team, CT.

Anybody else hear that interview today btw? Damn that guy is a breath of fresh air. The complete opposite of Bruce. I won't even compare him to Vinny. He was totally cool and respectful to the guys on 106.7 which is a little unusual for Redskins execs, and he actually answers questions.

Gotta admit, I like Bruce's f-you style of answering questions. Just because a question is asked doesn't mean he has to answer it. And just because the media are generally a bunch of maladjusted spoiled brats who can't take it when a grown man tells them to take a hike, nicely, doesn't in my book reflect badly on the guy not willing to play their game. I appreciate Scot's method, too, but I really don't get the hate for Bruce and think they both have a place on this team. I want a smug guy and an everyman, both of whom I guarantee are smarter than the morons asking them questions.

[riggofan]

Gotta admit, I like Bruce's f-you style of answering questions. Just because a question is asked doesn't mean he has to answer it. And just because the media are generally a bunch of maladjusted spoiled brats who can't take it when a grown man tells them to take a hike, nicely, doesn't in my book reflect badly on the guy not willing to play their game.

That's a fair point, and I understand what you're saying. But I don't get why anyone would like his f-you style of answering questions. Whether you like them or not, the media are for the most part asking questions on behalf of you and me. We buy their newspapers and watch their tv shows. So when Bruce dismisses questions or gives some obvious b.s. response, he's basically giving the f-you to all of us fans.

For another thing, he hasn't EARNED the right to give an f-you answer. He's not Bill Belichik. He just presided over two horrible seasons in a row and fans had a lot of legit questions about that. What went wrong? Why did certain things happen? What are you going to do to fix it? How about your free agents and draft picks? I'm not really sure what he's done in his time with the Redskins that would give him the license to be smug about anything. I found it really grating.

I appreciate Scot's method, too, but I really don't get the hate for Bruce and think they both have a place on this team. I want a smug guy and an everyman, both of whom I guarantee are smarter than the morons asking them questions.

Fair enough. And I don't hate Bruce at all btw. I had a pretty good opinion of him until last year to be honest. I think he's perfectly suited for that team president role which he did well enough the whole time Shanny was here IMO.

[SkinsJock]

Yeah man there is a link to the audio at the very end of this article. Well worth listening, I think you'll enjoy it.

http://washington.cbslocal.com/2015/05/ ... ion-at-qb/

You'll note the big news out of that interview is that SM said its an open competition at QB. He basically said what they've been saying all along that Robert gets the first crack at it, but they're going to give the job to the guys who gives them the best chance to win.

thanks - that was very good ...

and

I have never had any doubt at all about this - and especially since they announced that Robert was the starting QB ...

Robert Griffin is the starting QB here for as long as he shows that he gives the team the best chance to win

all these other naysayers are just biased - get over yourselves and watch this GM and whomever is the HC here get this program back in gear

[Prowl33]

Riggo you said I perfect. Bruce just came off as a d-bag without a clue everytime he talked, whether he intended to or not. He is a good business man, and should stick to that. He really made the organization look bad every time he spoke. Only good thing to come out of his mouth since hes been here was his introduction of Scot

Where with Bruce we cringed every time we had to hear from him, with Scot we cant wait to hear from him. He speaks in a straight forward, and informative way that shows complete confidence and understanding. Last few years they have tried doing the whole media blackout thing during the season with Bruce and Dan, with good reason.... Scot, I hope we get to hear from periodically during camp, preseason, and regular season. Where Bruce made us look bad when he spoke, Scot makes it sound like the organization knows exactly what its doing.

[Prowl33]

Lol just read this opener to an article and it made me laugh because it is so true.... but its really gonna happen this time!

The cycle of Redskins fandom usually goes something like this: bold optimism from April until July, hair-exploding-optimism in August, mild distress in September, building unhappiness in October, misery in November, jersey-burning anguish in December, a pledge never again to care in January, a pledge to be patient and forbearing in February and March, and then bold optimism again in April.

[Irn-Bru]

Lol just read this opener to an article and it made me laugh because it is so true.... but its really gonna happen this time!

The cycle of Redskins fandom usually goes something like this: bold optimism from April until July, hair-exploding-optimism in August, mild distress in September, building unhappiness in October, misery in November, jersey-burning anguish in December, a pledge never again to care in January, a pledge to be patient and forbearing in February and March, and then bold optimism again in April.

That would describe a lot of teams, but I have to say it hits pretty close to home for me. The only part I don't do is jersey-burning anguish: December is just more misery, but for whatever reason I still tune in and root, root root for the home team.

[Prowl33]

this was another great quote from Scot

“I promise you this — and I told probably everybody in the box [Wednesday] night: You’re gonna come to a Redskins game. Win, lose or draw, whatever happens, happens,” he said. “But I promise you this: You’re gonna feel us. You’re gonna understand, when we put our pads on, we’re coming out there to hurt you. We’re coming out there to play physical football. And when we’re done, you might beat us, but you’re gonna feel it. And each year, we’re gonna get better, and better, and better, no matter what.”

[Hooligan]

this was another great quote from Scot

“I promise you this — and I told probably everybody in the box [Wednesday] night: You’re gonna come to a Redskins game. Win, lose or draw, whatever happens, happens,” he said. “But I promise you this: You’re gonna feel us. You’re gonna understand, when we put our pads on, we’re coming out there to hurt you. We’re coming out there to play physical football. And when we’re done, you might beat us, but you’re gonna feel it. And each year, we’re gonna get better, and better, and better, no matter what.”

I love this guy. No homo.

I think.

[brad7686]

He's definitely a scheme fit for a power run game. Obviously, we didn't have a great line last year, but Alfred had a noticeable decline from not being in Shanny's system. He was still productive, and he's a good back, however I would not be surprised to see Jones get a lot of play, especially around the goal line where Alfred seemed to struggle.

[Prowl33]

He's definitely a scheme fit for a power run game. Obviously, we didn't have a great line last year, but Alfred had a noticeable decline from not being in Shanny's system. He was still productive, and he's a good back, however I would not be surprised to see Jones get a lot of play, especially around the goal line where Alfred seemed to struggle.

I think alf will bounce back... he has been one of the best backs after contact in the league since he entered, and I think his dropoff has been due to an entire team dropoff, and his goal line production I think stemmed from zone blocking not being effective on a shortened field, and not having the size on the o line to push on the goal line as needed. Behind a power blocking scheme I think alf will do better than ever.

[fredp45]

I've said it before on this thread --- IMO Jones was a great pick...

There is nothing wrong with having two backs in this NFL. Play Jones every 3rd or 4th series -- this will give Alfred a break to be fresher when he plays and hopefully ensures he stays healthy.

I don't believe it was Mike's system that caused Alfred to have a down year. I think it was a combination of things: 1) QB play was bad, allowing defenses to crowd the line and daring us to throw (like those years when we had Mark Brunnell); 2) Our Oline was not good; 3) Our defense didn't play that well due to all the injuries so we got behind a lot; and 4) while I like Gruden, I do believe he has some stuff to learn, his play calling was bad at times, e.g., he got away from the run too quickly, almost felt like we had a panic feel at times.

On play calling (I apologize it isn't about Matt Jones) -- I think Gruden and Sean have to come out this year with some surprises. Throw on 1st, run on 2nd/3rd and long, run a bootleg on 1st, etc... Until we can develop our qb's don't put them in positions that require them to throw on "obvious" passing downs. It's okay to run on 3rd and 6 and only get 4 and punt the ball away...winning in the NFL is about field position. Don't ask Robert to go back on 3rd and 15 from his 20 and hit a 20 yarder...that's a sack at the 12. Run the ball to the 28 and punt it away. It's okay to punt the ball away, and not risk losing the ball or 20 yards of field of position. Now that our defense is better, trust them. Sounds like Seattle doesn't it?? This kind of football doesn't have slumps.

[SkinsJock]

fact is the game planning and play calling does not matter when the franchise is put together by guys with a plan that know what it takes - this franchise is going through a process of building a team - will take time - players and coaches that do not show they are a good fit for what the FO needs will not be here next season

we will see improvement and I'm very encouraged by the evidence that guys that know what they're doing are making the decisions here now

hopefully Snyder stays out of things for a year or 2

[Bishop Hammer]

Based on what I have read, about Jones, I like the pick. His skill sets compliments Morriss'.

He is a traditional power runner able to gain in short yardage situations, where AlfMo struggles. And hes a superior pass catcher. With both of them on the roster the rushing attack can become exciting (if Gruden sticks with the run, that is).

[tribeofjudah]

This cat is RISING AND RISING.........

Buzz continues on Redskins rookie Matt Jones
CSN Washington's Tarik El-Bashir believes rookie RB Matt Jones will have "a bigger role in 2015 than some are anticipating."
El-Bashir concedes Alfred Morris is the starter but believes Jones will earn snaps as a third-down back. El-Bashir's colleague Rich Tandler agrees, saying Jones "will spend a lot of time catching passes and doing what he can to master pass protection" this offseason. Morris should be the early-down thumper, but he offers almost nothing in the passing game. If Jones is a quick study in pass protection, he should beat out Silas Redd and Chris Thompson for third-down duties.

[DarthMonk]

Matt Jones - RB - Redskins

The Redskins don’t expect fumbling to be an issue for Matt Jones.

"When he’s in traffic, he protects it pretty well, it’s when he gets outside he gets a little bit loose with it," HC Jay Gruden said. "So he’s just got to be more secure all the time, not just when he’s in traffic." Jones fumbled five times on 144 carries last year. Ball security played a role in his second-half decline, but the Redskins don’t consider it a major concern. With Alfred Morris gone, Jones has a chance to open 2016 as a three-down back.

Source: redskins.com Mar 19 - 6:05 PM

[oj]

I don't see Jones returning as primary guy. They set him on the bench for the last few games when a beast was needed, nothing has changed since then.

[DarthMonk]

I don't see Jones returning as primary guy. They set him on the bench for the last few games when a beast was needed, nothing has changed since then.

I believe he was hurt. Then they deactivated him. He'd just had a huge game against the Bears, BTW. He just had surgery.

Matt Jones - RB - Redskins
Matt Jones underwent "minor" offseason groin surgery but is expected to be ready for OTAs.

Speaking at the Combine on Wednesday, coach Jay Gruden said he believes Jones can be the Redskins' No. 1 running back despite averaging just 3.4 YPC as a rookie. Washington is fully expected to let Alfred Morris walk as a free agent, leaving Jones atop the depth chart. He'll certainly face competition, but not many running backs were more impressive than Jones last preseason. He ran with a physical, downhill style that reminded a bit of Chris Ivory. Unlike Ivory, however, Jones is also an above-average pass catcher out of the backfield.

Source: Mike Jones on Twitter Feb 24 - 1:07 PM

Matt Jones - RB - Redskins
Redskins GM Scot McCloughan feels "very comfortable" with Matt Jones "fighting for the No. 1 job."

Neither McCloughan nor coach Jay Gruden is willing to christen Jones as the Redskins' clear-cut lead back without a competition, but he's clearly the favorite. "We drafted him with that intent," Gruden said. "He's a big, physical runner." McCloughan and Gruden both harped on Jones' ball security after a fumble-riffic rookie campaign. Jones isn't an iron-clad lock to replace free agent Alfred Morris on early downs, but he's in the driver's seat. And Jones' rookie strength was in the passing game.

Source: ESPN.com Feb 25 - 5:45 PM

[riggofan]

I don't see Jones returning as primary guy. They set him on the bench for the last few games when a beast was needed, nothing has changed since then.

Funny just read this this morning:

Redskins seem confident in Matt Jones as the No. 1 back

—There seems to be a lot of confidence in Matt Jones to be the replacement for Morris as the “lead dog” running back. Scot McCloughan allowed the top backs like Matt Forte and Lamar Miller (and their high price tags) to fly off of the board early and he has yet to do any serious bargain hunting among the ones who are left. They aren’t going to hand Jones the job but Jay Gruden and McCloughan believe that he can earn. That doesn’t mean that if a running back is the best player available in the first two rounds that McCloughan won’t pull the trigger. But for right now it looks like a later-round pick and/or a veteran picked up just before or just after the draft will provide the competition.

Hard to know for sure what the FO thinks, but their lack of urgency in free agency should say something about the position.

[oj]

I trust Scott's judgement 100% - if he says Jones is competant then I'm good.

[riggofan]

I trust Scott's judgement 100% - if he says Jones is competant then I'm good.

Totally with you on that.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

I trust Scott's judgement 100% - if he says Jones is competant then I'm good.

Totally with you on that.

I'd call it a vote of confidence more than anything else. Nothing Jones has done thus far indicates he can be a primary back. McCloughan doesn't possess a crystal ball.

What he is doing, however, is sitting on a lot of unused cap space instead of overpaying for a veteran.

Next year we're going to have over $50 million in cap space at the beginning of free agency.

We all hope Matt Jones is that guy. It would solve a big problem from last season.

[SkinsJock]

I'd call it a vote of confidence more than anything else. Nothing Jones has done thus far indicates he can be a primary back. McCloughan doesn't possess a crystal ball. What he is doing, however, is sitting on a lot of unused cap space instead of overpaying for a veteran. Next year we're going to have over $50 million in cap space at the beginning of free agency.

Scot may not have a crystal ball but he does seem to have a really good plan & he's done a really good job of digging this franchise out of a huge hole - WELL DONE Scot - I do not see this FO changing the way they use the salary cap no matter how much is available

I predict that other franchises are going to soon look at the Redskins as the best way to manage a franchise in this era

VERY WELL DONE

[SKINS#1]

I predict that other franchises are going to soon look at the Redskins as the best way to manage a franchise in this era

VERY WELL DONE

And if/when Scot leaves let's hope DS has been paying attention.

[oj]

I'd call it a vote of confidence more than anything else. Nothing Jones has done thus far indicates he can be a primary back. McCloughan doesn't possess a crystal ball. What he is doing, however, is sitting on a lot of unused cap space instead of overpaying for a veteran. Next year we're going to have over $50 million in cap space at the beginning of free agency.

Scot may not have a crystal ball but he does seem to have a really good plan & he's done a really good job of digging this franchise out of a huge hole - WELL DONE Scot - I do not see this FO changing the way they use the salary cap no matter how much is available

I predict that other franchises are going to soon look at the Redskins as the best way to manage a franchise in this era

VERY WELL DONE

Well said.

[DarthMonk]

Matt Jones - RB - Redskins

Coach Jay Gruden said the Redskins let Alfred Morris go in free agency because they are "very excited" about Matt Jones.

"He’s a big, strong, powerful back that I think can handle the workload; time will tell on that," Gruden said. "We’re taking a bit of a gamble here, but based on our professional opinion, we believe he can handle it and be very, very effective at it, toting the rock."

Washington still may add to the backfield late in free agency or the draft, but all signs are pointing to Jones as the clear-cut lead back despite his bouts with inconsistency and fumbling as a rookie. Jones underwent surgery to repair the hip injury which sidelined him late last season, but he is expected to be ready for OTAs.

Source: CSN Washington Mar 26 - 10:15 AM