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NFL Player Grades: What offensive players are making the grade?

By Lyle Graversen

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) throws during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) throws during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (33) runs for yardage as Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Wilson (45) pursues during their game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (33) runs for yardage as Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Wilson (45) pursues during their game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs

Making The Grade:

Devonta Freeman – Atlanta Falcons

While Steven Jackson has had a long and successful NFL career, there are many skeptics out there that don’t believe he has anything left in the tank. The Falcons appear to be prepared for that possibility with their talented young RB, Devonta Freeman. Freeman is currently sitting atop PFF’s RB rankings in both overall grade (+3.9) and rushing (+3.5). Even if Jackson is fully healthy, he may have problems fending off this talented rookie.

Khiry Robinson – New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints have a crowded backfield situation. Pierre Thomas is the weapon of choice in the passing game and the Saints invested a first round pick in Mark Ingram. One would think that given those circumstances that Khiry Robinson would have problems seeing the field. However, his play this preseason (and late last season) has probably earned him a right to see his fair share of carries. Robinson is currently PFF’s fourth ranked RB in both overall grade (+2.7) and rushing (+1.7).

Missing The Mark:

Christine Michael – Seattle Seahawks

Before the preseason started Michael looked prime for a major breakout and people were drooling over his explosive upside. Like Robinson, Michael is also a part of a crowded backfield in Seattle. Unlike Robinson, Michael has not made the most of his opportunities this preseason. While he has been okay running the ball, his -1.9 grade in the passing game and -1.2 grade for blocking make it hard to justify using him as a change of pace back to counter the power of Marshawn Lynch.

Alfred Morris – Washington Redskins

The Redskins were a hot mess last season and while most of the focus was on Robert Griffin III, the running game suffered as well. With a new offensive coordinator in town it would be nice to see them establish a strong running game to support Griffin, but Alfred Morris isn’t off to a great start. His -2.6 overall grade ranks him 169th amongst RBs that have played this preseason. That’s simply not good enough.

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