3+ big thoughts

Washington coach Jay Gruden made a big move when promoting rookie Robert Kelley to starter while declaring Matt Jones inactive against Minnesota. It paid off.

- Rick Snider

‘FAT’ ROBB CARRIES

THE RUNNING GAME

Kelley gained 97 yards by steadily pounding away and occasionally breaking one. Oddly, he hasn’t gained 100 yards in a game since high school after a beleaguered college career at Tulane. But, “Fat Robb” is looking like a steal after not drafted.

Give Gruden credit for moving on from Jones just like he did last season from Robert Griffin III. If you don’t produce, Gruden will try someone else so Jones’ fumbling sent him to the bench. Maybe Jones returns at some point, but for now Kelley is keeping the job.

Nobody expected a big year from Kelley. Seriously, he has already exceeded expectations. But the NFL is filled with late-round and undrafted players who blossom and maybe that’s the case for Kelley after not getting much of a chance at Tulane.

Chris Thompson fills an invaluable role as a change-of-pace back and receiver, but the Redskins needed a straight-ahead runner and backfield blocker that Jones hadn’t yet filled. If Washington gets 80 yards weekly from Kelley, that’s fine. If he finally breaks 100, even better. But the Redskins can’t endure oft mediocre efforts and fumbles by Jones anymore.

SMITH’S REPEATS HIS

SECOND-HALF SURGE