Running game providing an edge for Commanders
MEADOWLANDS, N.J. — The Washington Commanders didn’t have their top third-down back in a game earlier this season. It didn’t matter. They didn’t have their top rusher against the New York Giants on Sunday. Once more, it didn’t matter.
One season after running the ball less than anyone in the NFL, the Commanders have one of the league’s best rushing attacks (third, 163.9 yards per game). It’s helped by quarterback Jayden Daniels, but it extends beyond him. Their diverse rushing attack is one reason the Commanders (7-2) have won three straight and have a half-game lead over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East entering Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Brian Robinson Jr. still leads Washington with 461 yards rushing, despite missing two games. But, with him sidelined with a hamstring issue, the Commanders still rushed for 149 yards against the Giants.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. was elevated off the practice squad Saturday. He didn’t find out he’d play until after Robinson worked out Sunday morning but finished with a team-best 52 yards on 11 carries. The game was indicative of Washington’s approach as four players carried the ball between eight and 11 times.
Of the top 10 teams in rushing yards per game, only Miami, at ninth, has a losing record. And of the top eight teams in yards per carry, only San Francisco (4-4) isn’t above .500. Also, the Commanders lead the NFL with 15 rushing touchdowns — one more than they had all of last season.
“Being able to run the ball in this league is awesome,” Washington guard Nick Allegretti said.
With third-down back Austin Ekeler sidelined against the Arizona Cardinals earlier in the season, backup Jeremy McNichols — with his 11th franchise since 2017 — rushed for 68 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-14 win. He has 183 yards rushing this season. He’d recorded zero over the past two seasons when playing three games. Robinson also missed a 30-23 loss to Baltimore in Week 6. Washington managed 52 yards on 18 carries against the NFL’s best run defense.
However, Washington has rushed for 168 yards or more in five games and more than 200 four times.
“Being able to run the ball in this league is awesome,” Washington guard Nick Allegretti said.
With third-down back Austin Ekeler sidelined against the Arizona Cardinals earlier in the season, backup Jeremy McNichols — with his 11th franchise since 2017 — rushed for 68 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-14 win. He has 183 yards rushing this season. He’d recorded zero over the past two seasons when playing three games. Robinson also missed a 30-23 loss to Baltimore in Week 6. Washington managed 52 yards on 18 carries against the NFL’s best run defense.
However, Washington has rushed for 168 yards or more in five games and more than 200 four times.
