The Washington Redskins are coming into 2015 looking for big improvements for RG3 and head coach Jay Gruden already likes what he sees from rookies Matt Jones and Brandon Scherff, as they can help Alfred Morris in the rushing game and this comes as Gruden has pushed Colt McCoy and Kirk Cousins to compete for the backup job over and trade speculation this summer.
The Redskins finished in last place last year and Gruden has said that he is expecting Griffin to have a "big jump" in the 2015 season. According to Pro Football Talk, rookies like Matt Jones, Brandon Scherff and Jamison Crowder all were impressive during rookie camp and OTA workouts and they could push to contribute more this season with Morris and other players. Jones could be a prime third down back, while Scherff could start right away.
There was some talk this offseason that Cousins could be traded with McCoy getting re-signed, but no teams called during the draft. McCoy and Cousins will battle to be the top backup for Griffin and the way things went last season, there is a chance they could get some starts. The team is looking for improvement up and down the line and players like Jones and Scherff could really help. According to the Washington Post, Mike Jones writes that Smith and Crowder were the best running back and wide receiver in rookie minicamp, while Scherff "looked like the best offensive lineman."
According to the Washington Post, Gruden said that Griffin is locked in as the number one starter this offseason, but he has not yet put McCoy or Cousins in as the backup officially yet. Gruden wants the two players to compete for the number two position and Liz Clarke reports that he "expects both" to "push RG3 for the starting job." Last season Cousins played in six games and threw for 1710 yards with 10 touchdowns and nine picks.
McCoy played in five games and he completed his passes at a better clip than Cousins and also beat the Cowboys in one of his starts. McCoy threw for 1057 yards with four touchdowns and three picks and now he could be the backup for Griffin and could be in line to start if he struggles. Jones comes in as a third round pick and has the chance to contribute behind Alfred Morris, who has been one of the most worked backs in football the past few years. Jones comes in as a third down option and with his speed he could help push Silas Redd and Chris Thompson on the depth chart.
Gruden said to the Washington Post that the team thinks that the offense should be much better in year two of his offense, saying that Griffin should have things be "a lot more natural" for the second year of the scheme. Griffin had the fifth year option on his contract picked up and in a way this is a "prove it" year for him, although the contract is set to pay him $16 million.
