Guice Runs Dry - UKHTTR Blog #11

Further evidence that this is indeed a new era in Washington came with the cutting of the talented but oft-injured Derrius Guice.

In an off-season of quite titanic upheaval, news broke last Friday that Guice had been released from the team following multiple charges of domestic abuse.

This week the news further developed that Derrius has been accused of strangulation as part of the charges and it was evident that Washington Football Team had no choice but to cut the 23-year-old.

This is a player who, despite his still young age and obvious talent, was very much tied to the old regime in Washington. There were also strong hints that the persistent knee injury had returned, and in a loaded running back room, Head Coach Ron Rivera will not suffer any deviation away from his culture change agenda in D.C.

Pre-draft 2018, the consensus around the league was that the character issues around Guice were not worth the gamble and despite the ability to make dynamic breakout runs, Guice slipped to the second round of the Draft.

Ultimately, the roll of the dice on Derrius backfired for the burgundy and gold. Although affable around the facility, Guice was often immature on social media and seemed more focused on the self than the team.

In contrast to his team mate Dwayne Haskins, who peacefully protested in D.C as part of the Black Lives Matter movement, Guice in January 2020 met the President. As he said at the time “They gone get salty. All I know is I come from nothing, and it will always be an honour to meet a president of the United States!”

Now, it was argued (wrongly) at the time, that here was a kid rising above politics and from a poor background who just wanted to meet old Don. But it is the first line that jumps out “They gone get salty”.

In many ways that is evidence of a “I’ll do what I want and take the consequences after” attitude, which might be fine in other walks of life: but not professional sports and not for a team who desperately need to inject discipline and impeccable character.

On the field, Guice missed his entire rookie season after suffering a torn ACL in camp, played the season opener in 2019, then missed two more months after undergoing surgery in September for a torn meniscus.

He played in five games last season, rushing for 245 yards on 42 carries with a pair of touchdowns. He also caught seven balls for 79 yards and a score.

When he flashed, he flashed dazzlingly, but in Washington, and perhaps likely the League, Guice’s light is now extinguished. One can only hope that his former girlfriend is now safe of his anger and that Derrius himself can eventually make positive changes in his still young life.

As a snapshot of the current running back room:

Adrian Peterson: has rushed nearly 2000 yards in his two seasons in Washington. The future Hall of Famer seems to perennially stay hungry and will likely suit up as RB1. Will Father Time catch up with AP in 2020: has to happen one day even for a Godlike physical specimen.

Antonio Gibson: rookie dual threat receiving and rushing threat and you would imagine Scott Turner would be extremely high on the Memphis WR/RB taken in the third round of Draft 2020.

Peyton Barber: physical short yardage back. Notable 2018 season in Tampa Bay with 871 yards and character seems high. Was likely insurance for Peterson’s age and Guice injury concerns.

J D McKissic: played in all 16 of Lions schedule in 2019. Third down back with potential for big plays and also punt returns for Special Teams and is the obvious replacement for Chris Thompson.

Bryce Love: a wildcard entry. After being on PUP for his entire rookie year, Love is now healthy. If Bryce can demonstrate his pre-ACL injury Stanford form, the loss of Guice will be a softer blow. Past history, however, has taught this Washington fan to curb enthusiasm on those attempting to reclaim full health.