The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

NFL offenses have changed over the last decade. For example, let’s say your team is facing a 3rd-and-2. What are the chances the offense runs the ball? Years ago, it seemed more than likely, now that isn’t the case.

The NFL today has adapted to the passing game, where dinky three-yard completions are of high percentage.

Upon the transformation of the current NFL, running backs have regressed. Workhorses are no longer emphasized and the current shelf life of them seems to get younger and younger.

Not to mention that the draft can find quality starters throughout the rounds or even undrafted. Ahmad Bradshaw, DeMarco Murray, LeSean McCoy and the trio of Redskins runners; none of which were selected in the first round.

Additionally, about half of the franchises around the league have adopted either a two-running back system or by committee. (Redskins, Giants, Cowboys, Packers, Lions, Saints, Panthers, Buccaneers, 49ers, Rams, Cardinals, Patriots, Jets, Bills, Texans, Chiefs and the Broncos.)

Typically, teams in multiple-back situations have personnel that have a different strength. One could be a short-yardage back, one is the best on third down or another can be great in pass protection.

Either way, front offices league wide have found roles for backs and they can only be utilized in that specific skill. So where does that leave the Redskins' running back chart?

As of now, there’s Evan Royster, Roy Helu, Jr., Tim Hightower and the emerging Alfred Morris. They all can do something different too. Royster is great in pass protection and can pick up solid yardage; Helu is the unit’s best playmaker and pass catcher; Hightower is good in goal-line situations and a receiver out of the backfield; and Morris looks like that downhill, short-yardage guy.


Is this enough for the offense? My answer is yes. Although I really like the potential talent of the four players, none of them are going to be Pro Bowlers. I’m fine with that.

Let’s look at the previous Super Bowl winners: Giants (Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs were decent last season), Packers (James Starks and Ryan Grant were decent as well), Saints (Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush were OK) and the Steelers (Willie Parker lead the team in rushing with 791 yards, via profootball-reference.com).

... front offices league wide have found roles for backs and they can only be utilized in that specific skill. So where does that leave the Redskins' running back chart?

As of now, there’s Evan Royster, Roy Helu, Jr., Tim Hightower and the emerging Alfred Morris. They all can do something different too. Royster is great in pass protection and can pick up solid yardage; Helu is the unit’s best playmaker and pass catcher; Hightower is good in goal-line situations and a receiver out of the backfield; and Morris looks like that downhill, short-yardage guy.

Is this enough for the offense? My answer is yes. Although I really like the potential talent of the four players, none of them are going to be Pro Bowlers. I’m fine with that....

langleyparkjoe wrote:Dag, lemme find out Portis will be the last workhorse we'll ever have.

cowboykillerzRED wrote:Royster Davis helu Hightower

Red_One43 wrote:With the group we have, it will have to be RB by committee. Look at last year's St Louis game. We watched TH and RH struggle and get nothing. Torain gets in there and rushes for over a 130 yrds (now he is out of the league - Panthers let him go).

No question if Mike had his complete back, he would use him for a majority of the plays, he did it with Davis and Portis in Denver. We just don't have that complete back and that incudes durability to carry the ball 20 to 25 carries a game. Maybe Morris could develop into that back.

Where have all the stud running backs gone, long time passing?

langleyparkjoe wrote:Quick question..

Hightower/Helu/Royster

Any paticular order you'd like to see these guys get into the game?

For me personally it's the way I typed it above. LOL

1niksder wrote:

Red_One43 wrote:With the group we have, it will have to be RB by committee. Look at last year's St Louis game. We watched TH and RH struggle and get nothing. Torain gets in there and rushes for over a 130 yrds (now he is out of the league - Panthers let him go).

No question if Mike had his complete back, he would use him for a majority of the plays, he did it with Davis and Portis in Denver. We just don't have that complete back and that incudes durability to carry the ball 20 to 25 carries a game. Maybe Morris could develop into that back.

Where have all the stud running backs gone, long time passing?

Mike ALWAYS has HIS complete back, on some occasions that back blows everyone away, then again on some occasion but rarely that complete back is all rolled up in one human being... rarely

Evan Royster was also banged up on the drive and visited the locker room briefly before eventually returning to the game.

Red_One43 wrote:
Each of these RBs only have one thing better than Hightower:

Helu - Fastest (Tristan Davis, as fast, but most likely PS)
Royster - Best Zone Runner
Morris - Most Powerful Runner (know more about his other attribute after tonight)

Hightower is the most complete back:

TH - Best Blocker, Good Speed, Better Receiver (Exept when he doesn't telll the coach his a shoulder injury - Rams game), Most Experienced

Knowing that Mike always has his complete back, why are you leaving TH off your 53? You wrote on your 53 update, that it depends on TH's health. Let's say TH is deemed healthy, Morris continues to shine, and doubts about Helu's durabilty remain (probably always will), do you keep TH? Do you keep 5 or release or try to trade one? As you know, I decided to keep 5 assuming TH will be healthy by the final preseason game.

Final note: Durability of all our backs
Helu - foot - didn't start last two games. Foot again TC
TH - Shoulder bange after only 4 games - ACL could happen to anybody
Royster - shoulder - after only two games he was banged up.
Morris - might be the most durable

Evan Royster was also banged up on the drive and visited the locker room briefly before eventually returning to the game.

1niksder wrote:

Red_One43 wrote:
Each of these RBs only have one thing better than Hightower:

Helu - Fastest (Tristan Davis, as fast, but most likely PS)
Royster - Best Zone Runner
Morris - Most Powerful Runner (know more about his other attribute after tonight)

Hightower is the most complete back:

TH - Best Blocker, Good Speed, Better Receiver (Exept when he doesn't telll the coach his a shoulder injury - Rams game), Most Experienced

Knowing that Mike always has his complete back, why are you leaving TH off your 53? You wrote on your 53 update, that it depends on TH's health. Let's say TH is deemed healthy, Morris continues to shine, and doubts about Helu's durabilty remain (probably always will), do you keep TH? Do you keep 5 or release or try to trade one? As you know, I decided to keep 5 assuming TH will be healthy by the final preseason game.

Final note: Durability of all our backs
Helu - foot - didn't start last two games. Foot again TC
TH - Shoulder bange after only 4 games - ACL could happen to anybody
Royster - shoulder - after only two games he was banged up.
Morris - might be the most durable

Evan Royster was also banged up on the drive and visited the locker room briefly before eventually returning to the game.

Morris, Royster and Helu eliminates the need for TH, but as you point out most of them have a injury history as does Hightower.

My final 53 might change between now and the start of the season and may include 5 HB at some point (with me updating after each game). Right now I think he'll still be one of the last cuts.