The Washington Redskins are preparing to be without DeSean Jackson for an extended period of time after a hamstring injury took the wide receiver out of Week 1. Jackson is not expected back for three weeks which puts Kirk Cousins on the field without his top deep threat. As the Redskins look to get a win to start their season off, the run game will become important as Alfred Morris finds his feet early.
The top performer for Week 1 was Morris who looked like his old rookie self against a strong run defense from the Miami Dolphins. The running back might not have found the endzone, but he did put up 121 yards off 25 carries averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He was the best offensive producer in a unit that was struggling heavily on the day. Morris' production is good news for Washington after the running back struggled last season and they hope it continues.
"It's another opportunity to get your hands on the ball - to help your team and be more productive," Morris said, via the Washington Post. "The more you can do, the more your chance of being productive on the team and staying on the team."
Morris will be critical for Cousins entering Week 2. Without Jackson the field, Morris could find himself having a huge game as the team faces against the St. Louis Rams. Cousins is aware the run game is going to take front and center for the Redskins. As a traditional pocket passer, Cousins needs Morris to keep the offense balanced as he is less likely to take off running.
"He is tough minded, and it reflects in the way he runs the football," Cousins said. "Tough to bring down, he's got good body control. He's got good ability to cut and change directions and all those things lend themselves well to being a good back and consistently being a good back week in and week out rather than just being a guy that flashes here and then disappears."
Jordan Reed was another player with a breakout game in Week 1 as the tight end was responsible for the lone touchdown for the team. Reed was not a starter entering the year, but the season-ending injury to Niles Paul has pushed him front and center. Reed could become the new safety blanket for Cousins across the middle and help open up the offense. Reed will aim to take advantage of the secondary in St. Louis as Pierre Garcon starts with Andre Roberts who will replace Jackson.
