Fans are about to find out what Commanders really think of rookie underdog

"It's all hands on deck for the Washington Commanders as they look to end their alarming slide in Week 15 against the New York Giants. And fans will be watching their running back dynamic extremely closely. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is out after reaggravating his elbow problem. Marcus Mariota doesn't boast the same athleticism, so offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury must find a way to establish the run and take some pressure off the veteran signal-caller in the face of a formidable Giants defensive front."

"He didn't make it, which means that Jacory Croskey-Merritt could be in line for more involvement. The seventh-round rookie went on a meteoric rise in the summer and over the early stages of the season. This tailed off dramatically, and he's been a rotational presence in recent weeks. However, with Rodriguez missing the clash, and the need to evaluate the younger pieces on the roster, it would be a big surprise if the East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP didn't get his fair share of touches."

"Croskey-Merritt's had some issues with ball security. With snow, ice, and freezing temperatures in gusty conditions at MetLife Stadium, that could give Kingsbury enough reasons to go away from the first-year pro and rely more on the veteran duo of Jeremy McNichols and Chase Edmonds. That would be a slap in the face for the Arizona product. It would also magnify the coaching staff's lack of trust in his capabilities."

Washington enters Week 15 seeking to end a slide against the New York Giants while relying on its running game amid key absences. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is out with a reaggravated elbow, leaving Marcus Mariota to start despite reduced athleticism. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury needs to establish the run to relieve pressure against a strong Giants front. Chris Rodriguez Jr. showed recent improvement but suffered a groin concern and was a game-time decision, ultimately not playing. Seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt could see increased snaps, though concerns about ball security and harsh MetLife weather may favor veterans Jeremy McNichols and Chase Edmonds.

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