2. It's going to be an intriguing competition at running back in Redskins-ville. You've got veteran Tim Hightower coming off last year's ACL injury, and even though he might not be all the way back physically, he might have the inside track to the No. 1 job. But you can't discount second-year man Roy Helu Jr., who sparked the running game as a rookie in midseason before wearing down late, or fellow second-year veteran Evan Royster, who ripped off 100-yard rushing games in Weeks 16 and 17 when Helu was nicked up. Rookie Alfred Morris, a sixth-round pick out of Florida Atlantic, is another name to keep track of, after a decent showing during minicamp.
If Hightower is healthy enough, he's probably the rusher the coaches trust most to do everything well enough, including those all-important blitz pickup duties, which are even more critical in protecting a rookie quarterback like Griffin. Helu is the best pure runner, with a great burst, but size-wise (5-foot-11, 215 pounds)he might not be suited for true No. 1 duties, making him more of a change-of-pace option on 12-15 plays per game. Royster was very productive, with a team-high 5.9-yard average carry last year, but doesn't have the speed to make many tacklers miss. Hightower should win the starting slot, but Helu and Royster could force Washington into more of a three-headed backfield as the season progresses.
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