Storyline: It’s not brain surgery to know that a strong running attack wins ball games. With Matt Jones the Redskins might have figured that out.
The running back position has been a huge question mark for the Washington Redskins. After the departure of Alfred Morris and no key free agent signings, it appears the Redskins were putting their faith in second-year back, Matt Jones.
Jones showed signs of potential last season, but many analysts and fans were skeptical about his role as a feature back. In his defense, though, Jones can’t run the ball when coaches don’t call his plays. In the last two weeks, though, we’ve seen the coaching staff put emphasis on the ground game. And Jones has answered the call.
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Behind Jones’ legs (coupled with three Cleveland turnovers) the Redskins were able to escape on Sunday with a 31-20 victory over the Browns. Jones ran for 117 yards–his second career 100-yard game–on 22 attempts with one TD.
Jones ran hard on every touch and had extra motivation: his mother was watching him play, in person, for the first time. “I just wanted to be decisive and show my mom what I got and what I’m capable of, what she brought into this world,” Jones said.
“It means a lot to me. And my [two] little girls calling me, just telling me that they had seen me on the TV. It means a lot to me and finding out who I am as a person. I’m a role model to my kids and I don’t want to let them down.”
He didn’t let them down. And he didn’t let down the Redskins when they needed him most.
From a statistical standpoint, Jones gets stronger as games go on. So far this season he has racked up 95 first half yards compared to 172 second half yards. He’s at his best in the final quarter — 131 yards on 23 carries with one TD.
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In the first two weeks Jones had 20 attempts for 85 yards. It’s no coincidence that the Redskins lost those games. But in the past two weeks, Jones has had 182 yards in 39 attempts.
“I’m still learning,” Jones said. “At 232 (pounds) and 6-2, man, when you get downhill and guys, man, they get scared. You know, I’m not saying the Browns aren’t a great team, but it’s hard to tackle a guy like me. I’m learning from guys around the league, you know Marshawn Lynch last year, and you know, guys like Adrian Peterson. They get downhill and they finish runs, so I try to learn from guys like that. Just keep being decisive and hitting the hold. hard.”
It’s not brain surgery to know that a strong running attack wins ball games. The Redskins might have figured that out.
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