Alfred Morris rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons in the NFL with the Redskins, last season was the first time he didn't eclipse that milestone, finishing the season with only 751 rushing yards. Morris walked in free agency in the offseason, signing the rival Dallas Cowboys.

The Redskins allowed him to walk free, because they believe that second year running back Matt Jones can make the next step and become a legitimate starting NFL running back. Jones certainly had his issues including a low yards per carry(3.4) and fumbling problems (five fumbles in 163 total touches), but he even with those blemished, he can be an effective fantasy starter with the opportunity he is now in.

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A Deeper Dive into Matt Jones

Jones did have issues with fumbles during his rookie season, but he would hardly be the first running back to have this problem early in their career and be able to get it fixed. One prime example is Tiki Barber, who had major fumbling issues early in his career. Through the first five years of his career, Barber fumbled eight times per season on average. Along with fumbling being simply an awareness issue, Barber focused on three things to help fix his problem: bicep strength, what he does when he’s about to get tackled, and how he carries the ball. Jones is a bigger than average NFL running back, listed at 6’1”, 231 lbs on NFL.com. Coming out of college Jones was said to have an imposing size with a muscular frame. Strength should not be an issue with Jones, it is how he is holding onto the ball and his awareness on the field.

During training camp, the Redskins have been working hard to fix these key problems. One way they have done this is that they have given Jones a football that has sensors installed inside of it on key pressure points he should always be in contact with. When Jones is holding the ball properly, the ball is silent. However, when Jones is not holding the ball correctly on the sensors, it emits a warning signal that Jones and the coaching staff can hear. They can then call the play, and see where a correction needs to be made. This technology has been used by other NFL teams, including the Cowboys and the Bills. Coach Jay Gruden has said they are not only focusing on the initial contact he makes with a defender, but also outside of contact where he had a lot of trouble last year. Jones can be a big time contributor this year if he can fix this issue, and so far the coaching staff has been impressed with his progress. Offensive coordinator Sean McVay has said “You’re seeing a much more matured player. I’ve been extremely encouraged with him- his understanding of where he fits in his protections, consistency in his tracks.”

Another big positive for Jones is his lack of competition on the team. The other running backs on the Redskins roster are Chris Thompson, Mack Brown, and seventh round pick Keith Marshall. Chris Thompson is a smaller receiving back who will likely never see a large role in a rushing offense. Mack Brown has been cut by the Texans and the Redskins once, only to be resigned by them in the offseason as a practice squad player. Marshall has good straight-line speed, but he was slowed by injuries throughout his college career at Georgia, meaning the Redskins won’t be able to rely on him too heavily, particularly early in his career. At OTA’s Marshall was a spectator. Thompson may get on the field to catch passes and be a change-of-pace back, but another positive about Jones is that not only can he rush he is also a talented receiver.

Jones accumulated nearly 800 yards from scrimmage last season as Alfred Morris’ backup. Jones averaged 16 yards per reception last season, highlighted by his 78-yard scamper in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints. He also made a nifty one-handed grab for a first down in Week nine against the New England Patriots. On passing downs when he is not going out for passes, he is an excellent pass blocker which should help keep him on the field all three downs.

The Redskins have the pleasure of facing the Eagles, Cowboys, and Giants each twice every season also. These three teams all ranked in the bottom 10 teams in the league in rushing defense last season. This will mean plenty of opportunities for big games during the course of the season. Many may not consider a player being drafted at RB19 in MFL10s and 4.09 overall on Fantasy Football Calculator much of a sleeper, but Jones is being drafted right now around players like Ryan Mathews, Jeremy Langford, and Melvin Gordon in standard scoring leagues. All three of those running backs have their own big question marks. Jones has an excellent chance to break out and be a huge contributor this season in the improved Redskins offense.

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