Commanders Eric Bieniemy likes his running backs

Bieniemy has been using running backs in the passing game a lot more recently.

We all know Eric Bieniemy came to the Commanders from the Chiefs.

While with the Chiefs, he had quite the unique experience. After coaching the running backs for five seasons, he became the offensive coordinator for the 2018 season. This just happened to be the year Patrick Mahomes became the Chiefs starting quarterback.

Bieniemy enjoyed having Tyreek Hill (2018-21) on the outside, Travis Kelce at tight end, and Mahomes as his quarterback. Bieniemy would no doubt tell you he was blessed immensely.

In his first season in Washington, Bieniemy does not have future Hall of Famers Kelce at tight end nor Mahomes at quarterback. Yet, might he be blessed in some ways he was not in Kansas City?

In those five seasons as Chief’s OC, Bieniemy’s leading running backs were Kareem Hunt (2018), Damien Williams (2019), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (2020), Darrel Williams (2021) and Isiah Pacheco (2022).

Here in Washington, Bieniemy looks to be liking his running back duo of Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson quite well.

Sunday in Seattle, Antonio Gibson was targeted six times out of the backfield. As a result, Gibson collected five receptions for 42 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown pass from Sam Howell that tied the game (19-19) in the fourth quarter. Gibson finished with 55 yards from scrimmage, averaging 6.1 yards per touch from scrimmage.

Robinson carried the ball eight times for 38 yards, including a 15-yard run. Robinson was also targeted six times on Sunday. He caught all six for 119 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown on Washington’s first possession. That means Robinson had 14 touches against Seattle, averaging 11.2 yards per touch for 157 yards from scrimmage. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Robinson also forced eight missed tackles, something the Washington offense needed.

Just last week in New England, Gibson gained 34 rushing yards on six carries, and also caught five receptions for 42 yards. Thus, Gibson totaled 11 touches from scrimmage and 76 yards from scrimmage for 6.9 yards a touch from scrimmage.

Bieniemy is using this running back duo more often in the Commanders offense, and it is returning dividends.

Perhaps he understands he has a good thing going at running back and seeks to use these guys more.

If he continues calling on Robinson and Gibson, won’t it also make things easier on his young quarterback, Sam Howell?