Redskins’ Duckett deal a brilliant decision

By Connor Byrne  |   Wednesday, August 23, 2006  |  Comments( 8 )

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Late Monday night, the Washington Redskins made a trade that could end up propelling them to great things in 2006. In a three-way deal, the Redskins acquired hulking running back T.J. Duckett from the Atlanta Falcons for a third-round pick. The Falcons then dealt that choice to the Denver Broncos for disgruntled receiver Ashley Lelie.

Lelie is arguably the biggest name in the trade, but it's Duckett who will make the highest impact this season. The 6-foot, 254-pounder has become one of the National Football League's foremost short-yardage backs in his four pro seasons, scoring 31 career touchdowns. The ex-first-rounder from Michigan State split time with between-the-tackles runner Warrick Dunn in those years, never rushing for more than 779 yards in an individual season.

Following three straight solid seasons backing up Dunn for the Falcons, Duckett's numbers sunk to career-worst levels in '05. He gained just 380 ground yards on 3.1 yards per carry. However, he was a solid red-zone option, scoring eight touchdowns. The 25-year-old's career-best TD season is 2003, when he had 11.

This big-time, late-summer trade was an outstanding decision by the Redskins' brain trust, led by owner Dan Snyder, VP of football operations Vinny Cerrato and Hall of Fame head coach Joe Gibbs (in no particular order). In its first preseason game, Washington lost star running back Clinton Portis to a dislocated shoulder. Since that fateful Aug. 13 evening, Portis has been a prominent opponent of exhibition games, chiding their worth.

The soon-to-be 25-year-old, who rushed for 1,516 yards last year, is expected to return to the Redskins' lineup by their Sept. 11 season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. If not, though, Duckett will be, without question, able to carry the load for however long he has to.

With a healthy Portis and a bruising Duckett in the fold, the 'Skins' rushing attack may, in fact, be second to none in the league. Portis brings speed and explosiveness to Washington's above-average offensive attack, while Duckett will represent a tremendous No. 2 with a nose for the opposing end zone.

More importantly, however, Duckett will displace fifth-year man Ladell Betts as the main option behind Portis. Betts is a decent runner, but he doesn't bring nearly the goal-line ability as Duckett, since he carries a frame that weighs a whopping 31 less pounds.

In the end, this is yet another smart trade by the Washington Redskins' brass. Rather than utilize a third-rounder in next April's draft on an unproven, green player, they went out and acquired a proven commodity with the ability of a starter for the same value. This deal could further separate the Redskins from their counterparts in the grueling '06 version of the NFC East.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

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