How did Commanders running backs perform without Brian Robinson?
It certainly isn't. In fact, NFL changes are sometimes so sudden. I still remember that November night of 1985 when Joe Theismann's NFL career abruptly came to an end.
Abruptness can also come as a result of a coach's decision. Such is the case for Brian Robinson Jr. Sunday, head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters met with Robinson, expressing to the No. 1 Washington running back for the last three seasons, that they were moving on from him.
Thus, the Commanders are attempting to trade Robinson, if they can find a buyer. It's possible a team in need of an inside running back could offer a seventh-round choice, rather than risk waiting to see whom Robinson signs with after the 53-man rosters are revealed. Most likely, one would think the Commanders will have to cut Robinson, not receiving any draft compensation.
Consequently, Robinson and the Commanders came to a mutual decision that he would not play, Monday night. Yes, the more some things change, the more some things stay the same, like the Cincinnati Bengals' defense. They managed to make the Commanders' running backs look like NFL elites, causing fans to forget about Robinson altogether.
Head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury have more than a few times since their arrival chosen to mention running game coach Anthony Lynn, crediting him for his work and contribution.
I realize it was the Bengals' defense, but my goodness, the Commanders rushed 30 times for 185 yards, including two rushing touchdowns. That is 6.2 yards per rushing attempt. Chris Rodriguez got the start and promptly rushed for 62 yards on six carries. Rodriguez had a 40-yard run, a 9-yard run, and an 8-yard run.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, aka "Bill," was called upon to carry the ball 11 times and contributed 46 yards. In his first series, he contributed a 5-yard run and a 27-yard touchdown run. Consequently, in the first quarter alone, Rodriguez and Bill contributed 40 and 27-yard runs.
Not to be overlooked are Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols. Ekeler is a very effective third-down receiver out of the backfield. It seems the coaching staff might have determined to remove Ekeler from kickoff returns this season, due to Ekeler suffering two concussions in 2024.
Every Commanders' game will also require players to get down the field and tackle in kickoff coverage and punt coverage. Both Rodriguez and McNichols have proven themselves in this area at the NFL level.
The move from Robinson is nothing personal. Quinn and Peters simply believe they now have four running backs other than Robinson that fit their multiple needs. Even the NFL rushing success rate in 2024 shows this to be true, where Rodriguez graded at 74.3 percent, McNichols at 58.2, Ekeler at 51.9, and Brian Robinson at 48.7.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' running backs justify team's decision on Brian Robinson
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