So, how well will the Commanders run the ball in 2024?
Running the ball was not something the Commanders did much in 2023. Then offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was determined to show everyone his passing offense that the Commanders were No. 1 in dropbacks with 736. To make things worse, Bieniemy used the lowest play-action rate in the NFL (32nd).
New offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is often associated with the Air Raid offense. But history has shown Kingsbury more balanced, forcing the defense to play both run and pass.
Consequently, the Commanders’ running game is much more prominent in the plans for 2024. Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols can plan on carrying the ball.
Perhaps the most interesting player to be carrying the ball often in 2024 might be quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels is very swift on his feet, so look for Kingsbury to have the Commanders run some zone-read options in the opener in Tampa.
Robinson will be the starter, and if he remains healthy, expect him to get over 200 carries. The former Alabama back has shown himself to be durable, physical and dependable.
Who scores the first TD for the #Commanders in 2024?
I’ll go first…Brian Robinson Jr
pic.twitter.com/8U9utRA882— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) September 3, 2024
Ekeler will spell Robinson at times and primarily be a third-down back. He is effective catching the ball out of the backfield and has enjoyed two huge seasons. In 2019, he caught 92 passes, and in 2022, he collected 107.
Ekeler was injured last season, which contributed to his lower numbers. His critics also say he lost a step, which contributed to his decline in production. The Commanders hope his decline was due to his ankle injury in 2023.
McNichols (age 28) came to Washington from San Francisco last season, where Adam Peters was the assistant general manager. In the preseason, McNichols displayed his ability to produce as both a runner and receiver.
Michael Wiley, Chris Rodriguez, and Kazmeir Allen are on the Practice Squad and ready for action should injuries hurt the Commanders’ running backs this season. Wiley and Rodriguez can both be physical runners, while Allen is quick and best in the open field.