There is a lot of mystery surrounding the 2024 Washington Commanders, specifically on offense. Under offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, the Commanders didn’t show much in the preseason. With a new quarterback, coordinator, and offensive scheme, it’s to Washington’s advantage not to reveal anything in the preseason.
There is significant excitement about rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner had a terrific offseason, impressing teammates, opponents (in the joint practices), and fans.
How will Washington’s offensive line hold up protecting Daniels? Who will be Daniels’ favorite target outside of Terry McLaurin?
While there are questions about the Commanders’ offensive playmakers, people shouldn’t be sleeping on Washington’s backfield behind Daniels.
Brian Robinson Jr. enters his third NFL season and is ready for a breakout. Robinson was outstanding last season when he received opportunities, but former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy did not like running the ball. The positive was that it allowed Robinson to show his ability as a receiver.
Joining Robinson is veteran Austin Ekeler. The league’s top pass-catching running back for years, the Commanders signed Ekeler to a two-year deal in March, and many have questioned how much he has left.
In his annual surprise predictions for all 32 NFL teams in 2024, ESPN’s Dan Graziano offered the following:
Don’t be surprised if … Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler combine to catch more than 100 passes.
What I’m hearing: The Commanders are fired up about rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and believe he can have a big season as a thrower and a runner. But there are questions about the offensive line and the receiver group behind Terry McLaurin. While rookie receiver Luke McCaffrey and rookie tight end Ben Sinnott work to get up to speed, expect Daniels to try to get the ball into the hands of his running backs and let them try to make plays with it. Robinson and Ekeler had 36 and 51 catches, respectively, last season.
Graziano’s prediction is based on various things, including his visits to training camps and his calls and texts with various sources.
In the preseason, we saw Kingsbury calling plays to limit how long Daniels held the ball. That’s by design with the Commanders’ questions on the offensive line. Getting rid of the ball that quickly often leads to more opportunities for the running backs to impact the passing game. That bodes well for Robinson and Ekeler.
If what we saw from Ekeler in training camp is any indication, he hasn’t lost a step.