Morris time. For several reasons.

[McD5]

Jones is bigger and faster.

He also has a lot more tread on the tires.

Jones runs north-south. Alfred does that too, but also runs a lot of east-west.

 

[TomE]

...... halfway through the season and he doesn't even have 100 carries so far.

You can also see that since Gruden has taken over his number (carries and yards) have gone down.

it may be the system, it maybe the coach. but if you don't give a runner like Morris the ball more than 8-10 times a game he will never get a rhythm going.......

I don't know if 'running back by committee, play the hot hand' kinda stuff is scheme, coaching input (Callahan), game plan or screwing the Shanny guys because Gruden can't work with them either.

I do agree that the flux needs to be settled by any means, pick a guy and go with him.
Not sure who is actually making the call but Callahan's influence is in there somewhere.

We also need to remember that this team is 'fragile' enough that any down and long aside from first down is a buggar. if the run game ain't doin' it then yeah, we're going to see fewer runs overall.

The causes of that, either RB play, inexperienced O line or the combo of both play into that. We saw what the scheme could do the first two games before the O line became two backups, two 'rookies' and Trent.

If we're into the WCO, as most 'analysts claim we are, then we need a back that can catch, blitz pickup and run with take-it-to-the-house potential. To which of the current backs do most of those attributes most apply?

On the other hand, does the WCO include the slobber knockin' game we heard was going to develop?

 

[Elephant]

Frankly, Goal, there are those here who are unwilling to admit that the right side is ineffective in run blocking. Trent still looks rusty and as for center and left guard, these backups, who were highly touted draft picks when selected are just okay.

And, then there's the predictability of our run plays.

But, it's easier to blame all three of the running backs. And, of course, Alfred.

I don't think there are many unwilling to apply responsibility of the lack of run on the line or scheme as well, but when you have football minds posting images to display the lack of vision, the lack of decisiveness to hit the hole, and the lack of burst...you have to wonder about that RB.

I am not for trading Morris, I don't care who starts as long as whomever does, is the best we have out there...I just care that we address the problem to the best of our ability. If that means benching Morris, so be it.

 

[TomE]

Yep, get the better guy out there for the team, screw the 'favorite' guy syndrome, be it coach, owner or fan driven.

 

[Goaldeje]

I don't think there are many unwilling to apply responsibility of the lack of run on the line or scheme as well, but when you have football minds posting images to display the lack of vision, the lack of decisiveness to hit the hole, and the lack of burst...you have to wonder about that RB.

I am not for trading Morris, I don't care who starts as long as whomever does, is the best we have out there...I just care that we address the problem to the best of our ability. If that means benching Morris, so be it.

I know this is melodramatic and over the top, but I am beginning to think there is a bit of Chip Kelly in Gruden. And unfortunately, I'm not talking about the offensive genius part, I'm talking about the scheme over players part. The successful NFL Coaches in history have been smart enough to adapt their scheme to fit the talent they have on hand, not force their scheme on players who won't perform as well with that scheme.

I can say that early on I thought Jones might be a better fit for Gruden's offense because he did look better than Morris. I attributed that to Morris not getting enough touches. But Jones hasn't looked good here lately. At some point, you'd like to see a coach willing to make some adjustments (and yes, that involves allowing Kirk to throw the ball deep a little more often to loosen up the D some) to emphasize the strengths of the players he has on hand.

But Gruden seems to have full confidence in his scheme, even though the results aren't bearing out that confidence.

 

[Elephant]

I know this is melodramatic and over the top, but I am beginning to think there is a bit of Chip Kelly in Gruden.

Not going to get into the scheme v. player debate. I have seen coaches adjust and be successful, I have also seen Belichek dominate with his way or the highway and release all-pro players. The jury is still out on Gruden.

I do have to mention that Matt Jones has been on the injury report for a few weeks prior to our last 2 games. I do not know how serious it is, but that has to be factored into his play.

As for Morris, I still have to believe there is something going on with him. He looks a lot smaller than he has ever looked playing for us. In the 1st game of the year against Miami, he looked strong...still extremely stout. Against the Bucs last week, I noticed what I thought was a new QB who had been brought up from the PS since I knew Thompson was out. It thought it was a small, change of pace RB...I thought the number was 45. When I saw it was Morris I was shocked by his size...he looked small. He has never looked small in the 4 seasons I have been going to games with him on the roster. Short? Yes...small? No.

 

[Knightingale]

If that's the question, then I'm going on reports from Keim.

Keim says Scot and Jay are against RG3, and the reason he is on the roster is because Bruce and Dan demand it.

Keim has also insinuated (I haven't seen Alfred's name directly) that Dan still has "two players from the past regime" that he insists stay on the roster right now.

To me, that's RG3 and Alfred.

I saw a report back in August that @NFLRT that stated that RGIII's jersey was STILL a best seller in North Carolina I think. Despite the woes he's had.
Here in the UK in any sport shop that sells NFL jerseys around here guess which two shirts you can buy?

Alfie and RGIII

In the stores near me in Birmingham there's not a sign of a Cousins or a Garcon or a Kerrigan shirt.
TWO of my best friends bought me RGIII bobble head.

Ironically they both fell off the window ledge when the cats knocked them down and suffered broken ankles.....

Now roll ou November and I don't know who our best selling shirts are these days, or who's merch is selling best, but I'd imagine this is one of the key reasons why DS insists that these two are on the team still.

That will change when sales slump (if that hasn't already happened).

Just a thought.

 

[Boone]

Considering none of the running backs is running all that well, I respectfully disagree, and contend that scheme has something to do with the equation.

Both Matt Jones and Chris Thompson (while not breaking any records) appear to be running more effectively than Alf so far this season imho. Thompson in particular has looked promising by comparison. But you are right Goal, we haven't been able to run well at all the last few games. The only obvious thing that's been different in those games is the quality of the defenses we've faced and significant injuries to OL starters. I think that's much more likely the explanation than 'the scheme'. Remember that it's the same scheme that allowed both Almo and Jones to exceed 100 yards in the same game earlier this year.


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[McD5]

Rick Snyder must have been reading this thread today. Just out:

"It might be time to trade Alfred Morris and RG3 right now."

Will Redskins be Players at NFL Trade Deadline? « CBS DC

Actually Rick, that time was before the season began. But better late than never.

 

[Goaldeje]

I don't see getting anything higher than a 6th for either of them.

And if we trade them, we lose compensatory picks, right? Does anyone have any idea what the compensatory pick might be for either of them? I figure for Griffin it should be fairly high since he was a first round pick. I have to figure it would be much higher than what we would get in a trade today, right?

 

[McD5]

Morris to Kansas City and RG3 to the Jets would be perfect.

Both out of the division, and 2 more picks for Scot and our future..

 

[MikeSr619]

Oh, good lord. Nobody is going to take on griffins contract and nobody is going to give us something when they can just pick him up after the season.

 

[Boone]

He would have to be willing to renegotiate his deal to get out of DC. No idea if that would be something he would be interested in doing but the contract is only a barrier if he chooses for it to be one. Comes down to whether the cash or the potential of starting elsewhere is more attractive. And someone thinking he's a viable starter - something we assume is the case but may not be.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Goaldeje]

I was shocked that last night on NBC Florio said the Jets were reaching out to Ryan Mallet. Not a good sign if you're the Jets. I would think Griffin would be more highly thought of than that, but as you say John, only if he agrees to restructure.

 

[MikeSr619]

the offer to start would be very enticing. but that big number might just be more. he might think that he will never get that kind of deal again and want to collect on all he can.

 

[Henry]

The trade deadline is coming up so writers are writing about trading players. Doesnt mean those trades should or will happen, are grounded in any form of reality or should in any way be taken seriously.

 

[Henry]

I think people don't accept that. That some are still holding out hope, that like with RG3, a 2012 might happen again.

That group of people is looking at the past. Not looking at the scheme, the likelihood that he's gone after this year, or the future of the team.

Er ... I think most of us would take even a 2014. From any one of our RBs.

The fact is, with this supposedly improved OL and better play from the QB position, our RBs have all looked awful. All of them. Significantly worse than any of the three previous years. Forget 2012. Our yards per attempt has gone from 4.8 in 2013, to 4.2 in 2014, to 3.7 this year. From 3rd in the league to 14th to 28th. That's not just Morris. That's the team stat. That includes everyone.

If Jones is such an upgrade over Morris, physically and schematically, he shouldn't be looking so pedestrian. It has been pointed out, repeatedly, that Morris is looking lost in this offense. Why isn't Jones taking this opportunity and setting the world on fire?

Name the kid the starter and see what we've got. Go ahead.

Either that or just throw the ball 45 times a game and see how that works out the rest of the season ... gotta tell ya, I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing how that works out against the Pats on Sunday.

 

[McD5]

Anything can happen. Morris might make some adjustments and catch on absolute fire.

I think what's more likely to happen is we'll realize a few months from now that we've been trying to fit a square peg in a round hole deal.

Just like when we tried to use 4-3 guys in a 3-4. Or when RG3 and his dad thought he could just transition to being a conventional QB.

That's nothing against Alfred at all. He's a warrior. I've just felt since the draft that he wasn't what Scot wanted, and now you are starting to see the beat writers follow suit and saying the same.

Keim says he'll get paid much better on a zone blocking scheme. Tandler now agrees, and says that he's gone. And Howie Long says he isn't a fit for a power running scheme. Doesn't know what we're thinking as an organization.

On another note, Denver just traded for Vernon Davis. They stole him for a potential SB push this year.

 

[Henry]

Anything can happen. Morris might make some adjustments and catch on absolute fire.

Morris isn't the one that needs to make adjustments in order for this running game to catch fire. None of the guys on this team are doing anything.

Again, 28th in the league in yards per attempt. Across the board.

Jones is averaging 2.6 yards per carry since week 2.

I think what's more likely to happen is we'll realize a few months from now that we've been trying to fit a square peg in a round hole deal.

Just like when we tried to use 4-3 guys in a 3-4. Or when RG3 and his dad thought he could just transition to being a conventional QB.

Perhaps. But if the team thinks getting rid of Morris will suddenly make Jones and Thompson produce, I'm thinking that's a mistake. Not unless the team make some changes other than simply scapegoating it's best RB.

What you are advocating is basically subtraction by subtraction.

That's nothing against Alfred at all. He's a warrior. I've just felt since the draft that he wasn't what Scot wanted, and now you are starting to see the beat writers follow suit and saying the same.

Apparently, the player Scot wanted isn't on the roster.

Keim says he'll get paid much better on a zone blocking scheme. Tandler now agrees, and says that he's gone. And Howie Long says he isn't a fit for a power running scheme. Doesn't know what we're thinking as an organization.

I like all of them, but they don't know any more than we do.

On another note, Denver just traded for Vernon Davis. They stole him for a potential SB push this year.

So, what did he get the 49ers? A 2nd, a 3rd, or a 4th?

 

[McD5]

I think this guy will be proven to be correct. Which honestly, is a little embarrassing. He may have learned more about our team in 30 days than our fans or beat writers have in years. Including me.

And if he's wrong? We can all hammer him.

His effort was impressive, written about our team back in July:

Washington Redskins 2014 Roster Evaluation | NFL Philosophy

What he said about Alfred then is exactly what we are hearing now from others.