The Washington Redskins have a lot of issues they need to fix in the bye week. Coming off a comeback win, there was still a lot lacking for the offense as Kirk Cousins continues to be without DeSean Jackson on the year. Without their top receiver on the field, the Redskins are relying on depth and need the run game to step up and match the rest of the offense. Head coach Jay Gruden stressed that was a priority in the bye week.
Alfred Morris and Matt Jones have yet to put together any consistency this season as they have been rotating as the leading rushers each week. After a promising start to the season, things have slowed down as Morris had just 41 yards in Week 7 while Matt Jones is averaging just 2.5 yards. Gruden is well aware that must improve if the Redskins are going to get some wins. Gruden told the Washington Times that getting Morris back as the leading rusher is key while avoiding second-and-long scenarios will also help.
"We've got to get Alfred going, no question about it," Gruden said, via the Washington Times. "He didn't get many looks again yesterday. The last three weeks, like you said, have been rough outings for him. As far as the touches that he gets, they haven't been pretty. I still intend on using both of them though. I think Matt [Jones] does a great job of coming in here and giving you a different little flavor as far as the running backs. He's a little bit bigger. I think both of them will get their touches but we do have to get Alfred going. But we're not giving up on Alfred just because he's had three tough weeks in a row. But it's not all on Alfred obviously."
Morris is in a contract year and while the Redskins have reportedly had discussions around a potential extension, the running back still needs to prove he is worth the investment. This season has yet to really show that as he runs even with Jones. The health of the offensive line is certainly not helping the run game get moving as Trent Williams and Kory Lichtensteiger have both been out while Shawn Lauvao was lost for the year.
Cousins proved he can be clutch when need-be. The quarterback tossed three second half touchdowns against Tampa Bay which helped. Jackson would return for Week 9 as he heals from a hamstring tear. The return of the receiver would take pressure off Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder.
