Redskins Running Back Alfred Morris has proven a lot during his two years playing in the National Football League. He has gone from unknown sixth round pick out of Florida Atlantic University to a Pro Bowl caliber gem for Washington. Some say that he was merely a product of the Shanahan offensive system. Whether this is true or not, Morris will get his chance to prove doubters once again in 2014; or will he?
Alfred Morris is the unquestioned starting Running Back on Washington's roster, but there are other players waiting in the ranks who are ready to take their slice of the pie, too. Nobody can match Morris' sheer power and vision as a runner. However, dangerous commodities such as Roy Helu Jr. and Lache Seastrunk could be taking some of the load off of Alfred's shoulders. Both Helu Jr. and Seastrunk are burners and can hurt opposing defenses with their speed and elusiveness.
Will a reduced workload be good for Morris, or will it hinder his ability to contribute like in previous years? In 2012 and 2013, Morris averaged 20.9 and 17.3 carries a game, respectively. He usurped the 1,000 yard mark in both of those seasons by a good margin. Morris deserves to get his fair share of the carries, and it is hard to see him running the ball less than 17 times a game on average.
Injury isn't a problem, either. Morris has played all 16 games in both of his NFL seasons, and he shows no signs of stopping that trend. His workload comes down to the performance of the other two favorites to win the roster spots behind him. How big of an impact can Helu Jr. and Seastrunk have on the offense, though? Helu Jr. had over 500 all purpose yards in 2013, and he even surpassed the 1,000 yard mark in his rookie year in all purpose yards as well. Behind him on the depth chart, we have Seastrunk, who was one of the most electrifying Running Backs in college football in 2013.
The 2013 season was a season which most Redskins fans wish to forget, but Morris remained persistent and determined for success. The result? He was a bright spot on a disappointing Redskins team. His production decreased, but this was due to the fact that the Redskins were always playing from behind. Typically, when a team is playing from behind they are throwing the ball more often than running in an attempt to catch up to their opponent. Now that the Redskins have a more complete team after revamping the Special Teams and Defense, the Offense won't have to play from behind nearly as much. This will give Morris more opportunities for carries.
Helu Jr. and Seastrunk will make contributions to this team, but in the end, Alfred Morris is still the front man and will reassure opposing Defenses of his dominance on the field. It is safe to expect another year of seeing the A-Train trucking defenders, tearing up the turf, and racking up yards.
Prediction: 291 rush attempts/1,402 yards, 9 touchdowns - 15 receptions/ 93 yards, 1 touchdown
