"Back in Washington's first five games, when they started 3-2, the Commanders' running back room was obliterating opponents. Even after presumptive starter Brian Robinson Jr. was traded to the San Francisco 49ers and Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles tendon in Week 2, the potent combination of Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Jeremy McNichols could not be stopped. Croskey-Merritt had his breakout in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers and was rewarded with the keys to the offense. Ever since then, though, Washington's backfield has struggled to make an impact."
"The difficulties of the Commanders' ground game and the team's struggles as a whole have gone hand in hand. It's harder to establish the run when you're playing from behind. It's also harder to win without a potent rushing attack. Washington needs to get its backfield unit going again, and Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins was a promising start. Rodriguez was the featured back throughout the first half, and he accumulated 79 yards on 15 carries. His production was the best output by a Commanders back since Croskey-Merritt's 111-yard outing in Los Angeles. The backfield operates best with a committee approach. The Commanders don't have a high-volume star, and all three of their contributors have different skillsets."
The Commanders enter the bye week with a lost season but an opportunity to identify long-term solutions. Fixing the run game is a top priority after an early stretch of dominance by the backfield. Washington produced strong results in the first five games despite roster changes and injuries, led by Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Jeremy McNichols. The backfield has since tapered off, coinciding with overall team struggles and playing from behind. Week 11 offered hope as Rodriguez gained 79 yards on 15 carries. The running game functions best as a committee given the differing skillsets of the contributors.
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