Rookie Alfred Morris was promoted to third-down back in Sunday’s 31-6 win over Philadelphia. Coach Mike Shanahan replaced second-year running back Evan Royster with Morris, and Morris played nine of the Redskins’ 11 third downs.
“He told me he was going to give me an opportunity to do it, and I really am thankful because he’s trying to help me become a complete back,” Morris said. “I thank coach for believing in me.”
Morris did a variety of things on third downs. He picked up a pass rush only one time. His cut block against LB DeMeco Ryans that helped open a lane for quarterback Robert Griffin III to hit receiver Joshua Morgan on a slant for 6 yards on third-and-7 in the second quarter.
He had just one catch, but look for that number to increase going forward. He had only five catches and nine targets all season as Royster saw a bunch of third down action prior to Week 11.
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