Commanders overlooked veteran transforming into vital presence

"The Washington Commanders' franchise always seems to have one of those undersized, tougher-than-nails running backs who play bigger than their height and weight. They had one of the best in Larry Brown back in the 1970s. Since then - from Clarence Harmon to Chris Thompson and J.D. McKissic - this type has been one of the club's genuine unsung heroes. Other than Brown, they have usually been third-down, pass-catching specialists who manage to break a tackle and get a first down against unlikely odds. Jeremy McNichols is the next in that line."

"A long shot for a roster spot when preseason began, the former Boise State star has already made several of the most inspirational plays of the season for the Commanders despite minimal opportunities. He was at it again in an otherwise ugly loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 6. With less than five minutes to go and Washington nursing a two-point lead, McNichols took a short pass from Jayden Daniels and bulled his way through multiple defenders. He managed to convert an unlikely 3rd-and-13 to extend what should have been a game-sealing drive."

"That third-down play was the fourth of five touches McNichols had in the game. Three of them went for first downs, including a fourth-down conversion late in the third quarter. This came just two plays before Luke McCaffrey's 33-yard touchdown catch gave the Commanders their first lead of the game. If you turn back the clock a couple of months, it didn't seem as if the running back would be in a position to make these kinds of plays, at least not in Washington."

The Washington Commanders have a history of undersized, tough running backs who outplay their size, from Larry Brown to modern specialists like Chris Thompson and J.D. McKissic. Those players typically serve as third-down, pass-catching options who can break tackles for first downs. Jeremy McNichols, a former Boise State player and preseason long shot, has made several inspirational, high-leverage plays despite limited opportunities. In Week 6 against the Bears he converted a critical 3rd-and-13 and finished the game with four of five touches resulting in first downs. Early training camp depth charts did not forecast his current role.

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