In a season filled with offensive struggles, the Washington Commanders needed a spark to reignite their once-potent attack. Enter rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr., who provided the jolt they desperately craved with a scintillating 40-yard touchdown run on the team’s opening drive against the Tennessee Titans.
Robinson, who had been limited the previous week due to an ankle injury, wasted no time announcing his return to form. On just the third play from scrimmage, the bruising back took a handoff from quarterback Jayden Daniels, burst through a gaping hole created by his offensive line, and galloped untouched into the end zone for a career-long scoring dash.
Pretty scary. That boy’s got some wheels on him!
Commanders offensive tackle Brandon Coleman on Robinson’s TD run
The electrifying play immediately ignited the FedExField crowd and the Commanders sideline. It also seemed to invigorate an offense that had scored a combined 42 points over their previous two losses to the Eagles and Cowboys.
Offensive Explosion in the First Quarter
Fueled by Robinson’s early heroics, the Washington offense shifted into high gear for the remainder of the opening period:
- Jayden Daniels capped an 80-yard drive with a 4-yard QB keeper for a touchdown
- Daniels connected with star receiver Terry McLaurin on a 16-yard TD strike with 0:24 left
- The 21 first quarter points matched the Commanders’ highest output in an opening frame since 2015
The offensive explosion was a welcome sight for a Washington squad still clinging to slim playoff hopes. At 6-6 entering the contest, the Commanders likely need to win out and receive some help to secure a Wild Card berth in the highly competitive NFC.
Robinson’s Rookie Resurgence
After a promising start to his rookie campaign, Brian Robinson Jr.’s progress was slowed by an ankle sprain suffered in Week 11 against the Texans. He gutted through the injury to play the following week versus Dallas but was clearly limited, managing just 38 yards on 12 carries.
The additional rest and treatment over the mini-bye week appeared to do wonders, as the third-round pick out of Alabama resembled the physical, punishing runner who was turning heads earlier in the season. With his 40-yard touchdown scamper, Robinson now has eight rushing scores on the year, placing him second among all rookie ball carriers.
Offensive Identity Rediscovered?
The Commanders’ offense was at its best earlier in the season when Robinson and versatile playmaker Antonio Gibson were wearing down defenses with a potent 1-2 punch on the ground. Establishing the run game opened up play-action and rollout opportunities for Jayden Daniels, who feasted on easier throws to intermediate targets like McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Logan Thomas.
In recent weeks, however, the rushing attack stalled, putting more pressure on the rookie quarterback to carry the offense with his arm. Not surprisingly, the passing game struggled to find consistency, and scoring became a chore.
If Robinson’s week 13 outburst is a sign that the ground game is back on track, it bodes well for Washington’s chances of recapturing their offensive identity down the stretch. A rejuvenated rushing attack, combined with the expected return of explosive rookie receiver Jahan Dotson, could be exactly the tonic the Commanders need for a late playoff push.
The Road Ahead
At 7-6 following the convincing win over Tennessee, the Commanders still face an uphill climb to secure a postseason berth. They’ll visit the Giants and 49ers the next two weeks before finishing with home dates versus the Browns and Cowboys.
While the remaining schedule is daunting, the Commanders can take solace in the reemergence of their run game and the confidence boost it provides their offense as a whole. If Brian Robinson Jr. and company can continue imposing their will on the ground, anything is possible for this gritty Washington squad.
One thing is certain – the rookie running back from Tuscaloosa has already left his mark on the Commanders franchise. With more performances like his week 13 masterpiece, he may just carry them on an improbable run to the postseason promised land.
