When the Washington Redskins traded for Tim Hightower a few weeks ago, I wasn’t quite sure what to think. I knew he played for Arizona, but didn’t think he’d bring too much to a Redskins backfield already filled with Ryan Torain, Roy Helu, and Evan Royster, among others. After all, the Cardinals only wanted Vonnie Holliday in return for a 4th year back. Why would they give up a talented running back for basically nothing? I was skeptical, but after watching two preseason games, I was wrong.
Mike Shanahan loves running backs and throughout his tenure in Denver and Washington he’s typically gone with unproven guys who seem to surface out of nowhere. Diamonds in the rough, so to speak. The Shanahan list is long of 1,000 yard rushers; Terrell Davis, Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson, Clinton Portis, Reuben Droughns and Tatum Bell. I believe Tim Hightower is the next diamond in the rough.
Shanahan’s Denver teams almost always rushed for 2,000 – 2,500 yards per year, consistently ranking near the top of the league. Last year, the Redskins as a team rushed for 1,461 yards, which was one of the worst rushing years Shanahan has ever had. As a result, the Redskins ranked nearly last in the league in rushing. With an upgrade to their offensive line this off-season and continuity up front, this unit should be significantly better for the upcoming year. As a result, the Redskins should at least approach the 2,000 yard rushing mark this season.
Hightower will go into this season as the number one running back. Ryan Torain is still injured and Roy Helu, although promising, is still a rookie and needs significant work on his blocking technique, something Hightower excels at. Shanahan likes to ride running backs in games and does not do a lot of shuffling in and out so expect Hightower to play, and play a lot. He doesn’t get injured so he will have every opportunity to succeed.
Through two preseason games, Hightower has rushed for 114 yards on 16 carries in very limited action. He looks especially comfortable in the zone blocking scheme, where his quickness and north/south running style seem to fit perfectly. The Redskins are raking up 177 yards per game on the ground, ranking 2nd in the league this preseason. They have looked in sync and appear to be getting better with each outing.
Tim Hightower has increased production in each of his three previous seasons. Starting in 2008, he’s rushed for 399, 598, and 736 yards respectively. If history is any indication his numbers are going to jump this season and along with our improved line play, I say this with conviction.
Tim Hightower will rush for 1,400 plus yards this season!
~JT
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