RICHMOND — Asked about Jordan Reed’s impact on the Redskins offense, coach Jay Gruden had a theory, but wasn’t entirely sure.
“Statistically, you have to look at the games that he’s in there compared to when he’s not — I think it’s probably different,” Gruden said.
Gruden went on to explain how Reed — with his route running ability and size — was a difference maker when healthy. Of course, the problem for Reed is that he hasn’t been able to stay on the field.
Since being drafted in 2013, the Redskins tight end has missed 28 out of 80 regular season games — or an average of 5.6 per season. Last year, Reed dealt with lingering toe pain that resulted in a season-ending hamstring injury. He played just six games.
Out of curiosity, the Washington Times decided to research just how much the team’s stats differ with Reed available versus when he’s not.
In the 52 games the Redskins have played with Reed, Washington’s offense has averaged 377.7 yards per game — whereas the team mustered 333 yards per game in the 28 outings without him.
Reed is a dynamic weapon for the Redskins and his presence alone creates openings for others. With Reed on the field, Washington’s passing game has averaged 267 yards per game. That drops to 232 in the games he missed.
The Redskins, meanwhile, especially missed him in 2017.
The offense was drastically better in the six games when Reed was active.
In the 10 games without Reed, the Redskins scored just 17 points per game and had 267.5 offensive yards per game. Granted, the team’s offensive line and running backs were also heavily injured and that would affect production, but the numbers spike in the six outings Reed appeared.
With Reed, the Redskins’ offense scored 22 points per game and had 338 offensive yards per game. The tight end’s snaps were very limited in half of those six games. Still, his presence can provide a decoy.
This is far from a perfect study. The numbers don’t account for factors like the quality of teams the Redskins faced in those particular games, or the rest of the team’s injuries.
But Gruden’s remark was worth checking. If you’re interested, here are the pure numbers of how the Redskins performed with and without Reed.
2017
Averages with (six games): 22.17 points, 338 yards, 234.3 yards passing, 103.7 rushing
Averages without (10 games): 17.3 points, 267.5 yards, 197.2 yards passing, 70.3 yards rushing
Reed’s year: 27 receptions for 211 yards and two touchdowns
2016
Averages with (12 games): 24 points, 394.75 yards, 308 yards passing, 86.75 yards rushing
Averages without (four games): 23.3 points, 396.6 yards, 288.6 yards passing, 108 yards rushing
Reed’s year: 66 receptions for 686 yards and six touchdowns
2015
Averages with (14 games): 24.9 points, 369 yards, 263.2 passing yards, 105.8 yards rushing
Averages without (two games): 19.5 points, 247.5 yards, 205 yards passing, 80.5 yards rushing
Reed’s year: 87 receptions for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns
2014
Averages with (11 games): 16.5 points, 357.2 yards, 251.6 yards passing, 105.6 yards rushing
Averages without (five games): 23.8 points, 361.8, 256 yards passing, 105.8 yards rushing
Reed’s year: 50 receptions for 465 yards and zero touchdowns
2013
Averages with (nine games): 24.6 points, 420.2 yards, 261.3 yards passing, 158.9 yards rushing
Averages without (seven games): 16 points, 305 yards, 200 yards passing, 105 yards rushing
Reed year’s: 45 receptions for 499 yards and three touchdowns
Oh and curious about wins? The Redskins are 22-29-1 with Reed, 9-19 without him.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.