Things change quickly in the NFL, especially when you're the Washington Redskins.
The team has been looking for a third-down back to complement Alfred Morris since 2012 and invested a third-round pick into Matt Jones earlier this year. But with Morris' contract up after this season, perhaps Washington was hoping to get more than just a role player. After a quiet NFL debut, Jones exploded for 123 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2, prompting questions about the depth chart from fans and fantasy football owners.
"Morris is proven," Mike Jones of the Washington Post wrote. "He has rushed for 1,000 yards in each of the past three seasons. He opened the season with a 125-yard performance. He wasn't as productive on 18 carries in Week 2 (Matt Jones had 19 carries that game), and so coaches went with the hot hand. The matchup wasn't as good for Morris as it was for Jones."
Jones appears to be the more dynamic player, but Morris has been consistent and effective for three seasons now. Despite the talent of both backs, neither had a good day against the New York Giants in Week 3. Still, Jones saw 11 carries to Morris' six. Is it a sign of things to come?
"Jones could find himself in the dog house after fumbling in back-to-back games, particularly at the goal line. But Gruden means it when he says he plans on sticking with Morris as his lead guy. The challenge for Morris is to remain effective even though his snap count may go down. Traditionally, Morris has gotten better as the game progresses, and as he settles into a rhythm and begins wearing defenders down. Splitting carries doesn't afford him the same opportunity. So he has to prove he can make the most of his opportunities and remain productive. Because if not, eventually coaches will reverse the roles of the running back."
Jones believes that Gruden will stick with Morris as the lead back. But it wasn't too long ago that Gruden said Robert Griffin III was the "unquestioned starter" for the team and we all know how that turned out. Fantasy owners hopefully handcuffed the two backs in the draft and will just have to cross their fingers that this backfield gets sorted out.
