Washington Redskins: Predicting three biggest offensive breakouts

Several players could take the next step for the Washington Redskins, whether it be due to talent or opportunity. Here I talk about three offensive players I think have both the requisite talent and opportunity to succeed in 2019. I will not be using rookies because they can’t have a breakout year without having a down or even a quiet year. Therefore the participants are all in their second year or beyond.

#3: Josh Doctson – WR

The obvious answer for “breakout player” since his second year. Josh Doctson was drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft with the expectation that he would develop into the teams #1 receiver. Their go-to, “X.” It hasn’t turned out that way, but maybe, just maybe, this is the season he does.

Doctson has shown an ability to win when the ball is in the air. However, he struggles to consistently separate. Doctson would probably thrive in a system that saw him get 100+ targets a season. Unfortunately, that’s not what the Redskins do. They spread the ball. They work in the middle of the field where the strength of receiving corps lies.

A “successful” season, in my eyes, for Doctson would be along the lines of 70 receptions for  950 yards and 12 touchdowns. He doesn’t even need a 1000 yards to be successful; the offense doesn’t require it. All he needs to do to help the team is consistently move the chains and be a factor in the redzone.

#2: Derrius Guice – RB

Most of you probably assumed this would be #1. Derrius Guice was drafted in the second round of last years draft but was widely considered a first-round talent. Unfortunately, he lost his rookie season to an ACL tear in the first preseason game. The Redskins then proceeded to sign Adrian Peterson (AP) to a one year deal. AP proved he was still a viable NFL running back by putting together a 1000 yard season.

The presence of AP is what keeps me from moving Guice to #1. Even though I believe Guice will be the better running back this season, AP will still garner carries to keep both backs fresh. I expect the workload to be about Guice getting 60% to AP’s 40%. If Guice isn’t a 1000 yard rusher this season, it’s because AP was also successful and the two might have combined for 1500 yards combined.

Give it two more years, and Guice will be the star of the Redksin offense, however for this season, AP will get carries. It will be a running back committee, and I expect them to go with the hot hand. This could mean Guice could get 20 carries a game, they could split it 10/10, or AP could get the majority. Whatever needs to happen for the team to win.

#1: Trey Quinn- WR

It’s #TreyQuinnSzn once again. Trey Quinn was a fan favorite by Washington fans going into last season. Unfortunately, like the rest of the team, he was kept off the field due to injuries. However, he now has all the opportunity in the world. With the departure of Jamison Crowder, the starting slot spot has gone over to Quinn who will make full use of his skill set.

Quinn isn’t particularly fast, but he’s a savvy route runner with good quickness. He has an understanding of creating separation and catches everything thrown his way. In a season where the quarterback is learning the system, a sure-handed security blanket will be a favorite target.

If Quinn plays 16 games, I expect him to lead the entire team in targets and receptions. He’ll be a go-to on third downs and a standard hot route. He can gain yards after the catch as well. In a Jay Gruden offense that loves guys like Quinn, #TreyQuinnSzn should be in full effect. I expect at least 80 targets for Quinn, meaning he should come down with at least 65 receptions.