While the Washington Redskins insist they will not be having a competition at the quarterback position, there could be one brewing elsewhere. The teams wide receiver position is set, but suddenly there are questions at the running back position after the team opted to draft Matt Jones while having Alfred Morris. Despite head coach Jay Gruden saying the drafting of Jones plays no mind to Morris, general manager Scot McCloughan believes otherwise.
The Redskins drafted Jones out of Florida after he was scouted as a down-field rusher that thrives on moving between the tackles. He is also solid at pass blocking which is a huge need for Washington. While Morris has been a capable starter, McCloughan is comparing the rookie to another famous running back, convinced he can make an early impact.
"Matt Jones reminds me a lot-a lot- of Marshawn [Lynch]," McCloughan said, via CSN Washington, "from the standpoint that he's north-south, he's downhill and he's not afraid of contact. You come downhill, and you know what? I was very lucky to be around Marshawn Lynch for the years I was in Seattle. And to see the violence he ran with, to see how guys got tired of tackling him. Matt Jones is similar."
According to Gruden, Morris is still the starter of the team. Sources confirmed to CSN Washington that Morris will not be challenge for the position as Gruden likes the resume the rusher has put together since his arrival in Washington.
"No, no, Alfred won't be affected," Gruden said, via the team website. "Alfred's still the running back here. He's had three great seasons and that won't change, but to add another guy that can come in here and pound the rock a little bit doesn't hurt anything. It'll help Alfred in that regard taking some carries off of him, but for the most part, Alfred will be getting the bulk of the carries and Matt will get some too, obviously."
By the sound of it, Washington will not have too many position battles on offense. Gruden is comfortable with Griffin as the starter. Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy will push for the spot, but overtaking Griffin at the start of the year. The Redskins made moves to build around the quarterback rather than build the position itself. They took all the steps which includes adding Jones at quarterback. The question becomes if Griffin will answer the challenge.
