Can Alex Smith Improve the Washington Redskins in 2018?

By Mark Solway | March 26th, 2018

The Washington Redskins have ended the Kirk Cousins era and they have a new one to start in 2018; this one will be under former Kansas City Chief quarterback Alex Smith. Smith may not the best quarterback in the league, but he is solid enough to build on. Smith was quietly effective for the Chiefs, and there is no reason to think he can’t do the same for the Redskins. Washington are hoping what will help Smith is a solid triumvirate of running backs.

Rob Kelley, Chris Thompson and Samaje Perine form an exciting trio and, on their day, they are as good as most running back committees in the league. They have the ability to gain important yards, make themselves available for catches from the backfield and score touchdowns.

While all the talk is about Smith and his ability to lead this team, the RBs are going to be a huge part of any success that he has this season. Samaje Perine showed flashes of brilliance last season, showing why the Redskins drafted him in 2017, and even more is expected from him this coming season.

“Samaje Perine” by Keith Allison (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Thompson WAS brilliant until landing on the injured reserve.

Kelley never really got rolling in 2017, but he was the horse in 2016. Washington will be hoping to see that “Fat Rob” return in 2018, and likely battle Perine in Training Camp for the right to get every ball not given to Thompson.

Fresh Start

With a fresh start and a new quarterback, it would not be a surprise to see Washington to do well this season. While some say Smith is a downgrade to Cousins, could his conservative style actually aid the Redskins? Seeing them tipped up to win more games than they lose this coming season could be a possibility. With Champion Bets you can get all the latest NFL tips from their experts, and see if they side with the Washington Redskins in 2018.

Assets

The Redskins obviously can’t just run the ball though. When Smith does throw the ball, he has a few targets that will help him out. Thompson is electric out of the backfield, and Tight end Jordan Reed is one of the game’s very best when he is healthy. Reed only played six games in 2017, and Redskins fans know all too well that that’s a norm, not an exception, but when playing, there’s no doubt that he is a tremendous asset. Smith also has wide receivers Jamison Crowder and Josh Doctson to aim for, who both have ability but were disappointing in 2017. The upcoming draft could still provide a piece of the puzzle too.

The main focus of the Redskins game in 2018 is expected to be running with the ball. That will take the pressure off Alex Smith in his first year with the team. It also plays to his strengths a little.

There is no doubting that the trifecta of running backs on the team could be enough to carry the offense. With a little help from Smith, the Redskins could improve upon a disappointing 2017 season.