The Washington Commanders' offense has faced its share of struggles in recent weeks, and one of the most glaring issues has been their faltering running game. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has been the one bright spot in the rushing game, masking some of the deficiencies in the box score. However, when diving deeper into film analysis and advanced statistics, it's clear that Washington's running backs have seen a significant drop in production. Their yards per carry have declined, they're facing more inconsistent success on the ground, and the explosive plays that were once a hallmark of their offense have been few and far between. This lack of success has also led to a noticeable dip in third-down conversions.
In their recent loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Commanders found themselves floundering, unable to establish any kind of rhythm on offense. The Cowboys managed to adjust their defensive strategy by shifting edge rusher Micah Parsons inside to break down Washington's third-down pass-protection scheme. This move seemed to completely disrupt the Commanders' offense, as the team struggled to protect Daniels and gain any traction on the ground. Over the past three weeks, the running backs have had 57 rushing attempts, yet they've seen more negative runs (seven) than runs of 10 or more yards (three). This underperformance is a huge part of why the offense has consistently gotten behind the chains and failed to sustain drives.
The importance of the running game cannot be overstated for the Commanders. Head coach Dan Quinn emphasized that the running game is a key pillar of the team's identity, contributing to both their toughness and their ability to close out games. He acknowledged the team's need to improve and promised that they would continue working hard to address this issue. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury echoed these sentiments, stressing that a mix of practice reps, game planning, play calling, and execution would be essential in turning things around. Kingsbury noted that this is the time of year when the good teams distinguish themselves from the great ones, and Washington has some serious work to do if they want to climb into the ranks of the elite.
Unfortunately for the Commanders, their struggles in the running game may only worsen in their upcoming matchup against the Tennessee Titans. There is a real possibility that they'll be without Austin Ekeler (who is dealing with a concussion), and there are concerns over the status of fellow running back Brian Robinson Jr. (who is nursing an ankle injury). Although Robinson expressed optimism that he would be ready for Sunday’s game, the uncertainty surrounding the health of the running backs only adds to the challenges Washington faces. To make matters worse, the Titans boast one of the most formidable run defenses in the league, anchored by two massive tackles: Jeffery Simmons (a two-time Pro Bowl pick standing at 6-foot-4, 305 pounds) and rookie T’Vondre Sweat (6-4, 366 pounds). Quinn has been particularly impressed by the Titans' defensive line and their ability to shift between a four-down and five-down front.
If the Commanders continue to struggle running the ball against Tennessee, it could set off a cascade of other problems. Maintaining a balanced offensive attack is key to unlocking Washington's up-tempo offensive scheme. Without the ability to run the ball effectively, the team will struggle to stay ahead of the chains and convert first downs, which will likely cause the offense to continue floundering. This, in turn, will raise more questions about the scheme, execution, talent, and overall health of the offense.
One potential solution for the Commanders is to lean on more quick-game passing. Kingsbury may opt for quick, short passes as an extension of the running game to help get Daniels into a rhythm. Daniels has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but recently, he's had difficulty finding his groove. Using quick passes could help him get comfortable and spark some momentum in the offense. It's a strategy that could help the team find some consistency, even if the running game continues to sputter.
As it stands, Washington's backfield is a bit banged up but still has some talent to work with. Behind Ekeler and Robinson, the Commanders have Jeremy McNichols, a solid backup, and Chris Rodriguez Jr., a bruiser capable of picking up tough yards. Additionally, Michael Wiley and Kazmeir Allen are available on the practice squad, giving Washington some depth at the position. This week, the Commanders worked out veteran running backs James Robinson and Boston Scott, looking for an added spark. Despite all the injuries and roster changes, Daniels remains confident that the team has the talent to get the job done. He noted that he doesn't feel pressure to do more on the ground, as he believes in the abilities of his teammates to step up and carry the load when necessary.
Switching gears to the defense, there has been some notable movement in Washington's cornerback rotation. Benjamin St-Juste, who had been playing a significant amount of snaps, saw his role diminish in the team's loss to Dallas. He played just 58% of the defensive snaps, a season-low, while Michael Davis saw a season-high 44% of the snaps. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. explained that the decision to rotate these two cornerbacks was less about St-Juste's performance and more about what he had seen from Davis in practice. Whitt expressed that Davis had been practicing at a high level and deserved more playing time. The Commanders will continue to rotate these two players in the boundaries, with Davis and St-Juste alternating every two series to keep the defense fresh.
Wednesday marked the 17th anniversary of the tragic passing of former Washington safety Sean Taylor, a player who left an indelible mark on the franchise and the league. Daniels reflected on the impact Taylor had, both as a player and as a human being. Daniels, who is close friends with the son of former Washington safety Ryan Clark, admitted that he used to watch Taylor's highlights growing up. Taylor’s electrifying play, hard hits, and ability to make game-changing plays are still remembered fondly within the organization. Quinn also spoke about the profound impact Taylor had on the team. He described Taylor as having a special "presence" that could galvanize a group and inspire greatness. That kind of presence is something the Commanders continue to honor as they push forward in the 2024 season.
On the subject of coaching decisions, Washington's approach to fourth downs has been noticeably less aggressive in recent weeks. Over the first nine weeks of the season, the Commanders converted all 11 of their fourth-down attempts. However, in the past three weeks, they've only gone for it three times, converting just once. Quinn explained that a lot of these decisions are based on distance, particularly with Washington's struggles on third down. Over the past three weeks, the team has faced 25 fourth downs, and only one of those attempts was on third-and-three or less in neutral or opposing territory. The decision to attempt a 51-yard field goal on fourth-and-two deep in Dallas territory raised some eyebrows, but Quinn downplayed the significance, stating that he has remained consistent in his decision-making process.
Looking ahead, the Titans appear to be hitting their stride, particularly with second-year quarterback Will Levis playing some of his best football. Although he took eight sacks in their win over the Houston Texans, Levis displayed some real promise, throwing the ball well and showing confidence in the pocket. Running back Tony Pollard also had a strong performance, rushing for 119 yards and a touchdown, including a career-high five explosive runs of 10-plus yards. Whitt, who has previous experience with Pollard in Dallas, lauded the running back's ability to make defenders miss and his elusive running style. With a vertical passing game led by Levis and strong receiving options like tight end Chig Okonkwo and wide receiver Calvin Ridley, the Titans' offense is dangerous and could pose a serious challenge to the Commanders' defense.
As Washington prepares for this critical matchup against Tennessee, the team has a lot to work on, both offensively and defensively. The key to success will be whether they can address their running game woes, maintain consistency, and execute better in all phases. If they can find their rhythm, it could go a long way toward turning their season around.
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