Washington Redskins: Alfred Morris Receives High Praise from Dallas Cowboys D-Lineman

The Washington Redskins have a potent offense led by rookie QB phenom, Robert Griffin III. The second overall pick out of Baylor University has done nothing but exceed expectations throughout Washington’s 2012 campaign. He was even honored with a Pro Bowl nod on Wednesday, becoming the first rookie Quarterback to be selected to the initial Pro Bowl team since hall of famer, Dan Marino.

Clearly, the Redskins have been lifted to a playoff caliber football team because of Griffin’s high level of Quarterbacking. However, he hasn’t done it alone. Much of Washington’s offensive success this season has been attributed to major success in the ground game. The Washington Redskins have the league’s top rushing attack, thanks to Robert Griffin III and the “other rookie” Alfred Morris.

So, as Washington enters their final regular season game against the Dallas Cowboys, the team will look to continue their success on the ground. That hasn’t been a daunting task for Alfred Morris this season, who is 2nd in the league with 46 carries of 10 yards or more, only behind Adrian Peterson. Not to mention, Alfred Morris’ 1,413 yards – through 16 weeks of football – ranks 4th in the entire league. Morris is also only 104 yards away from breaking Clinton Portis’ Redskins record for most rushing yards in a season.

Without a doubt, Alfred Morris is having a tremendous season, but you wouldn’t know that by looking at the NFC’s Pro Bowl roster. Morris deserved a nod over San Francisco 49ers’ RB Frank Gore, but only received alternate honors on Wednesday. Many argue that Alfred Morris is simply benefiting from opposing teams focusing on Robert Griffin III. Others attempt to build arguments on the basis that Morris is yet another product of Mike Shanahan’s legendary zone blocking scheme. Both statements couldn’t be further from the truth.

When you look at the Redskins on film, you consistently see nothing but linebackers biting on the run – which in turn allows Washington’s receivers to constantly find wide open zones. It’s “pick your poison” when facing the Redskins’ offense. But finally, someone gets it. Unfortunately, it just took 16 weeks of football for an opposing player to reveal the Redskins’ offensive secret, or lack thereof.

Dallas Cowboys’ defensive lineman, Marcus Spears told Cowboys.com that Robert Griffin III is not the most dangerous on the Redskins’ offense.

“RGIII is the phenom that everybody loves, but this running back has been killing people,” Spears said of Alfred Morris. “If you watch it from a football-game plan, as a player who’s going to play in the game standpoint, this running back is actually probably the most dangerous guy on the football team on offense.”

Marcus Spears must have been totally floored by this development, as he decided to not even mention Morris’ name. Maybe this is why Morris isn’t in the Pro Bowl – no one knows his name. That would be a travesty, if true.  Borderline criminal, if you ask me.

“Not to take anything away from RGIII, but when you look at the film he is averaging almost 120 yards rushing per game,” Spears continued. “Usually when teams can do that – they win. So we got a lot on our hands.”

Of course, all of this is easier said than done. If Robert Griffin III is back to being mobile this week – good luck. It’s extremely difficult to slow down what the Redskins do on offense. As soon as you attempt to slow it down, they pull out something no one was even prepared to see.

While Marcus Spears has his focus on Alfred Morris, the Dallas Cowboys are using backup QB Kyle Orton to simulate Robert Griffin III during practice. Sounds like they’ll be well prepared for Washington’s offense…