2014 Review

Washington's offense under Jay Gruden was dreadful last season, ranking 26th in the NFL in points per game (18.8). It's inexcusable to not average 20 points per game in the NFL these days, with defensive backs restricted with how physical they can be and the numerous other rules in favor of the offense.

Robert Griffin III missed more time with injuries and was not particularly successful even when on the field, while Kirk Cousins turned those laughable "Cousins for a first round pick" ideas into dust with his ugly play in 2014. Washington had no momentum at quarterback, with blame to go around as the cause.

Alfred Morris did what he could under the circumstances, with opposing defenses focused on stopping him and not even giving Washington's quarterbacks a second thought. Morris had another 1,000-yard season, though his 1,074 rushing yards marked a career-low in his three-year career.

DeSean Jackson's first season with Washington was respectable given the circumstances, 1,169 receiving yards, 20.9 yards per catch and six touchdowns on 56 receptions. His role on the team and 94 targets, took attention away from Pierre Garcon. After a 113/1,346/5 line in 2013, Garcon hauled in just 68 passes for 752 yards and three touchdowns. He has talent to put up big numbers but Jay Gruden doesn't seem to be a great fit to run this offense...or any successful offense for that matter. 

Veteran Additions

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NFL Draft

Matt Jones, Running Back:

As Alfred Morris enters a contract year and questions remain about his ability to be out there on third downs, Washington wanted to improve its situation both for the present and future. Jones was strong in pass protection at the University of Florida; both in his technique and willingness to take on pass rushers. Jones also has nice hands out of the backfield to help the offense as a receiving option out of the backfield. Lastly, he is a hard-nosed runner who can power through tacklers and pick up yards.

While he certainly won't be taking away Morris' starting job, the rookie should immediately emerge as Washington's third-down back. Washington selected him in the third round because they have immediate plans for him to contribute in multiple ways. It will be difficult to come by major fantasy relevance because of the lack of touches, but he is a player for dynasty leagues.

Jamison Crowder, Wide Receiver:

After Andre Roberts disappointing 2014 season, Washington thought it was time to bring in some insurance at the slot. While Roberts enters training camp as Washington's starting slot receiver, Washington's fourth-round pick will be chomping at his heels, trying to steal the job.

It's already been established that Crowder will return kicks, giving him a small fantasy boost in leagues where you get points for return yards. But the 22-year-old has the big-play ability and explosiveness that can shine during training camp and he might have better hands than Roberts. Of course, Crowder is 5'8' and 185 lbs., which means NFL defensive backs are ready to push him around. If he can impress in the preseason, maybe Crowder could emerge as Washington's slot receiver and be an intriguing depth wide receiver long-term in fantasy leagues.

Potential Breakout Player:

Jordan Reed, Tight End

This all depends on health, a question mark that has lingered during Reed's football career, even dating back to college. Reed has missed 12 games in two seasons. He had a stem cell procedure in the offseason on his knee and while he is healthy right now, his body hasn't shown the ability to stand up to the weekly hits of the NFL.

But when he is healthy, Reed's receiving ability allows him to be a top-10 fantasy tight end. He is the type of athlete fantasy lovers always buy into when thinking about the upside and while defenses focus on preventing DeSean Jackson from beating them deep or Pierre Garcon across the field, Reed provides Robert Griffin III a security blanket with big-play ability. The potential for a big season is certainly here, but Reed is a player you need to draft later in drafts to balance out his extreme injury risk.

Potential Disappointment:

Alfred Morris, Running Back

No one views Morris as a big-time running back worth spending a top-30 pick on, many feel confident in him as a solid RB2 for their teams. It's understandable, he has consistent production plays in an offense that fits him and is relied heavily upon to run the ball.

But the addition of Jones has to cause some concern. Jones is almost assured to take third-down duties and if he has success in that role, the power back could see goal-line work and work in the red zone. He's a very solid runner and excellent on third down, which is needed if Washington wants RGIII to be comfortable. Jones won't take Morris' job, but he could eat into some of his touchdowns and will eat into his snap count this year. A 1,100-yard, seven-touchdown season could be Morris' ceiling and if Washington gets down big in games, Jones will be on the field.