As the Washington Commanders are now learning during a deep rut in their run game, these moments can be real gut-punches. In their last three games, the team has only attempted to run the ball 31 times. Their average gain is only 3.5 yards per carry. Taking a deeper look into the Commanders’ fading performance as they prepare to welcome in the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle, as always, has a tremendous run defense. They’re first in the league in yards per game and yards per carry allowed.
New offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is leading the charge to resuscitate the team’s cratering run game. The Commanders had previously averaged an impressive 156.4 rushing yards during the first five games of the season, leading the league. Lately, they’ve been unable to get this aspect of their offense going, as they’ve fallen to 18th in rushing yards over the past three weeks.
Injuries have not helped the situation. Washington’s top three receivers have been unable to get on the field together since Week 2. This week, they’re in for an even greater test, as their top wideout, Terry McLaurin, prepares to sit for the fifth straight game this Sunday.
The team’s running backs developed a penchant for clutch plays. To put an exclamation point on the run game, it took them for an astonishing 7.1 yards per attempt against loaded boxes in those first few games. The ground game was completely shutdown against the Cowboys. The other team’s defense was executing stunts that disrupted the line’s performance.
First-round pick Jayden Daniels, their new quarterback of the future, has been a key to unearthing an aggressive and explosive content. Daniels has already racked up a remarkable 211 rushing yards this year. He’s made his presence known in the run game as the team has relied further on quarterback runs and scrambles. It’s his ability to escape pressure and make something out of nothing that his teammates continue to rave about.
“Jayden erases some things for us with his feet and his play making ability.” – Sam Cosmi
Even with the difficulty, there is an apparent optimism on the small team. Tight end Ben Sinnott said it’s critical being flexible to different defensive looks.
“We’ve seen a lot of different defenses in the last couple weeks.” – Ben Sinnott
The problem, he elaborated, is that when defenses use movement and stunts, it changes who players block. Coming to terms with these shifts is key to staying powerful on the offense.
The Commanders set their sights on a difficult road matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. They know that having a good running game would be a nice compliment, but not a necessity to win. If Daniels does manage to put out an All-American-type performance, this team can win without having a rushing attack completely take over a game.
“You have to find a way to put the numbers back in your advantage… We just have to focus on what we do well and what’s been good for us.” – Bobby Johnson
Running back Jeremy McNichols reiterated this point, saying that after the struggles of late, being consistent is the most important thing.
“Every week isn’t going to be 200 yards or the best run game we had all year… but we’re just going to keep chipping away and … keep doing what we’re doing.” – Jeremy McNichols
As they prepare for their next test against a formidable Seahawks front, the Commanders understand that they must get their ground attack back on track. This enhancement is key to their long-term prosperity. They need to design conflict for defenders and exploit vulnerabilities found on the other defense’s game tape. This will get them back to being as good as they once were.
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