In a league increasingly defined by high-flying passing attacks, the Washington Commanders are charting a different course – and bulldozing their way to the top of the NFC East in the process. Powered by a diverse stable of running backs and an offensive line that excels in space, the Commanders have assembled one of the NFL’s most potent rushing attacks.
It’s a stark departure from last season, when Washington ranked dead last in the league in rushing yards. But a series of savvy offseason moves, coupled with the emergence of dynamic dual-threat quarterback Jayden Daniels, has transformed the Commanders’ ground game into a juggernaut.
Depth and Diversity in the Backfield
The foundation of Washington’s rushing renaissance is a deep and versatile backfield. Rookie sensation Brian Robinson Jr. leads the team with 461 yards, but he’s far from a one-man show. When Robinson missed time with a hamstring injury, the likes of Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Austin Ekeler seamlessly picked up the slack.
“Being able to run the ball in this league is awesome,” said guard Nick Allegretti, a key cog in the Commanders’ blocking machine. That awesome ground attack has been on full display in recent weeks, with Washington topping 160 rushing yards in five games and eclipsing the 200-yard mark four times.
Innovative Schemes Keep Defenses Guessing
Washington’s success isn’t just a matter of raw talent, however. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury and his staff have implemented a dizzying array of formations and blocking schemes that consistently catch opponents off guard.
Whether it’s guard/tackle pulling combos, two-back sets with Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols, or Daniels’ own read-option wizardry, the Commanders’ rushing attack is a shape-shifting nightmare for defensive coordinators. As Allegretti notes, limited padded practices make it difficult for defenses to prepare for such a multifaceted ground game.
When in doubt, Jayden will use his legs and that’s an element you can’t gameplan for.
Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders tight end
Blocking Prowess Paves the Way
Of course, even the most cleverly designed rushing attack would sputter without precise blocking. Fortunately for the Commanders, their offensive line is more than up to the task.
Washington’s linemen possess the quickness and agility to thrive in a scheme that features copious pulling and movement. Couple that with the selfless efforts of the team’s tight ends and receivers, and it’s no wonder running lanes consistently materialize.
A Recipe for Playoff Success?
As the weather turns and the stakes rise, the Commanders’ surging ground game could be their ticket to a deep postseason run. Of the top 10 teams in rushing yards per game, only the Dolphins have a losing record. If Washington maintains its spot near the top of that list, a return to playoff football could well be in the cards.
The true test will come against the NFL’s stingier run defenses – a challenge the Commanders narrowly failed in a Week 6 loss to Baltimore. But if the past three weeks are any indication, Washington’s rushing attack is only gaining steam.
As guard Nick Allegretti succinctly puts it: “When we have a guy down and for guys to step up, that’s what a team is all about, and you’re going to need that kind of depth if you want to make a run at the whole thing.” Right now, that depth has the Commanders dreaming big – and opponents desperately searching for answers.
