Redskins to go with RBBC

It appears the Redskins will be employing a running back by committee style for the remainder of the season. Quinton Ganther will be picking up the start in Oakland but look for Cartwright and Smith to get touches too. Rock Cartwright started the season off as the main kickoff returner but has seen his role on offense increase as the team's other tailback options have dwindled. Hunter Smith began the season as the team's punter but his dynamic play making ability has thrust him into the middle of Washington's continuously evolving running back situation.

Going into the home stretch of the 2009 season Smith is one rushing touchdown away from tying Ladell Betts for the team lead and is in sole position of second for passing touchdowns to Jason Campbell. The team would have liked to get Smith carries weeks ago but had to hold off with the uncertainty of Chris Cooley's (TE/P) return date from his broken ankle. As the team's only punter subjecting Smith to the hits he would have taken would have been irresponsible. Suisham averaged only 26.7 yards/punt this season before he was replaced with Graham Gano. Zorn appears confident in Gano's ability to replace Smith in the punting game if something were to go wrong.

Expect Hunter to stay in the committee for the rest of the season unless Campbell struggles/gets hurt. His performance against the Saints appears to have solidified his chances of closing out the season as the team's top QB. Indications out of Ashburn are that if Campbell were to go down Collins would take over but Smith would pick up the first team reps in practice and get the nod the following week. Zorn said, "Hunter gives us a bit of a different look at quarterback. We would instantly become a threat to punt on any down, not just fourth. That is tough to game plan for on the defensive side...I would think."