2018 Washington Football has reason for confidence

Are the holes unplugged?

In the case of the Washington Football, are the roster holes plugged? Or better yet, are the running lanes unplugged?  With all the offense returning with the exception of WR Dante Pettis, center Coleman Shelton, offensive tackle Andrew Kirkland, running back Lavon Coleman, and tight end Will Dissly, this offense is intact.  Considering the platooning of the offensive skill players, the team already has starters coming in to fill the roster voids.

With the exception of Shelton, the line will welcome back four starters.  While Will Dissly will find his fortunes in the NFL,  the team retains TEs Drew Sample and Hunter Bryant.  So the expectation is that the running game with flourish once more.

2016 rushing attack, part II

In fact, with the promotion of running back Salvon Ahmed this season, the team may see incredible production from the running game. Gaskin will get his annual dose of 1,300 plus yards.  But I can see Ahmed upping his 388 yard total to over 1,000 yards as well.

If that running game explodes on the upside, the Washington offense will have a “2016” feel to it again. In that year, Gaskin churned out 1,373 yards. Lavon Coleman put up 852 yards as well.  If 2018 runs comparable, Gaskin will come in on/about 1,400 yards, and Salvon Ahmed comes in at 900 yards. That changes the offense dynamics, and that adds some vigor to the defense late in the season as well.