Tag: Brian Robinson Jr.

Commanders sign running back Jeremy McNichols

The Commanders add another veteran to the running back room.

The Washington Commanders added to their backfield on Monday, signing veteran running back Jeremy McNichols.

McNichols, 28, was a fifth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2017 NFL draft out of Boise State. McNichols was released during final cuts and signed to the 49ers’ practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster in November and released during San Francisco’s final cuts in 2018.

He split the 2018 season between the Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans. He was again waived during Tennessee’s final roster cuts in 2019 and signed with the Chicago Bears. The Bears waived him in December, and he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the remainder of the season.

In 2020, McNichols returned to the Titans, where he’d remain for two seasons. He had brief stints on the offseason rosters of the Falcons and Steelers in 2022 before returning to San Francisco in 2023. He spent time on the 49ers’ practice squad and 53-man roster last season and was released in January.

McNichols has 90 rushing attempts for 364 yards and a touchdown in his NFL career. He has appeared in 37 career games and all but two of his rushing attempts came with the Titans. He also has 40 receptions for 295 yards and a touchdown.

Washington has starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. and 2023 sixth-round pick Chris Rodriguez Jr. returning in 2024. The Commanders also signed veteran Austin Ekeler to be more of Washington’s 1b to Robinson’s 1a in 2024.

McNichols’ connections to Washington are general manager Adam Peters and running backs coach Anthony Lynn.

Austin Ekeler’s plans with the Commanders: ‘Score some touchdowns’

Austin Ekeler expects to score lots of touchdowns for the Commanders.

On the first day of the legal tampering period last week, Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters was busy revamping his roster.

Peters’ first moves were agreeing to terms with center Tyler Biadasz, defensive end Dorance Armstrong and linebacker Frankie Luvu. Finally, Peters landed a weapon for his offense, which is expected to feature a rookie quarterback.

The Commanders agreed to terms with running back Austin Ekeler on a two-year deal, giving them one of the NFL’s premier pass-catching backs who has a nose for the end zone.

The former undrafted free agent spent his first seven seasons with the Chargers. In 2019, Ekeler had 92 receptions and eight receiving touchdowns. Ekeler also rushed for 557 yards and three scores. In 2021 and 2022, Ekeler was arguably the NFL’s most productive back, rushing for over 900 yards each year with 25 combined touchdowns and catching 177 passes for 13 more touchdowns.

Unfortunately, Ekeler took a step back last season, rushing for 628 yards and five scores while catching 51 passes.

In his introductory press conference this week, Ekeler acknowledged last season’s struggles, attributing it to a change in direction for the Chargers offense and an ankle injury that impacted Ekeler all season.

Ekeler did sustain an ankle injury early in the season and battled through it, missing just three games. He acknowledged the injury but made it clear he wasn’t making excuses.

Instead, he has big plans for 2024.

“I’m going to score some touchdowns for you, that’s for sure,” Ekeler said. “I’m going to bring some energy.”

Ekeler will share backfield duties with rising third-year back Brian Robinson Jr., which excites Ekeler.

If Robinson and Ekeler remain healthy in 2024, the Commanders could have one of the NFL’s best backfields.

Former Wisconsin center signs with Washington Commanders

Former Wisconsin center signs with Washington Commanders

Former Wisconsin Badgers and Dallas Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz agreed to a three-year deal with the Washington Commanders Monday afternoon.

A fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Biadasz started 47 games for the Cowboys over the past three seasons and earned a Pro Bowl nod for his stellar 2022 campaign. 

With roughly $96 million in cap space, the Commanders added Biadasz to improve a bottom-tier offensive line from 2023. Biadasz ranks among the NFL’s elite in terms of pressure rate, something critical in a division littered with spectacular athletes on the defensive line. 

Biadasz started at center in all 41 games of his Wisconsin career and was awarded the Rimington Trophy in 2019, recognizing the best center in college football.

Most notably, the Amherst, Wisconsin native, played his entire college career blocking for two-time Doak Walker Award winner Jonathan Taylor, one of the most celebrated running backs in UW history. 

The acquisition of Biadasz could pay dividends for first-year head coach Dan Quinn with Brian Robinson Jr. budding in the backfield and a rookie quarterback projected to start under center. 

WATCH: Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr’s top plays from 2023

The top highlights from Brian Robinson’s 2023 season.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. took a big jump in his second NFL season. While Robinson’s rushing yards didn’t take a massive leap — he rushed for 64 fewer yards in 2023 — don’t blame him.

Washington was last in the NFL in rushing attempts in 2023, while Robinson’s yards per attempt were up from 3.9 to 4.1.

Robinson really stood out as a receiver in 2023. After catching nine passes in 12 games as a rookie, Robinson caught 36 passes for 368 yards with four receiving touchdowns last season. Robinson accounted for 1,101 yards and a team-leading nine total touchdowns.

Imagine if the Commanders had committed to running the ball in 2023.

The good news is Robinson will be a featured offensive piece for new coordinator Kliff Kingsbury in 2023. Additionally, running backs coach/run game coordinator Anthony Lynn is known for assembling a strong running game.

Here’s one final look back at 2023 with Robinson’s top plays.

Commanders new RB coach Anthony Lynn is a big fan of Brian Robinson Jr.

Good news for Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. took a big step in his career in 2023. After missing the first four games of his NFL career in 2022 after suffering gunshot wounds in an attempted carjacking, Robinson somehow was able to return in Week 5 and have a solid rookie season.

Even more remarkable is that Robinson was never 100% but still managed to rush for 797 yards and score three touchdowns in 12 games.

Robinson was better overall in 2023 despite fewer rushing yards. In 15 games, he averaged 4.1 yards per attempt and ran for 733 yards and five touchdowns. But it was his work in the passing game where Robinson flexed his versatility. He caught 36 passes for 368 yards and four more touchdowns.

Robinson would have easily gone over 1,000 rushing yards if former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy had committed to the run more. Washington was last in the NFL in rushing attempts.

Bieniemy is gone. Enter Kliff Kingsbury. While the former Arizona Cardinals head coach is known more for his connection to the Air Raid offense, Kingsbury does run the ball. And even better news for the Commanders and Kingsbury, they hired former Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn away from the San Francisco 49ers as the new running backs coach and run game coordinator.

Lynn is one of the most respected coaches in the NFL and is known for his work with the running game. He played for Mike Shanahan and spent the last two seasons under Kyle Shanahan. Now, he brings that expertise to Washington to help Kingsbury.

Lynn is excited to be in Washington, and he’s also a big fan of Robinson.

On Wednesday, Washington’s assistants met with the local media and discussed numerous topics, and Lynn asked about the Commanders’ star back.

If healthy, Robinson is about to have his best NFL season yet. He’s been excellent through two seasons despite facing different obstacles. His growth in the passing game will help him stay on the field for three downs next season. And Lynn will give the Commanders a competent running game.

You can also expect new general manager Adam Peters to invest heavily in the offensive line this offseason. Additionally, Robinson’s former backfield mate Antonio Gibson is scheduled to be a free agent. Washington will bring in another back, but Robinson is the unquestioned starter in 2024.

Where were the Commanders’ running backs ranked in 2023 NFL RB Index?

Where were Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson ranked among all NFL running backs in 2023?

The Washington Commanders fired offensive coordinator Scott Turner after a disappointing 2022 season and replaced him with former Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

There was a lot of excitement and hope surrounding Bieniemy’s arrival, but in many ways, Washington’s offense was worse in 2023. While the overall metrics were similar, Bieniemy favored a more pass-heavy approach. The Commanders led the NFL in passing attempts and were tied for second in sacks allowed.

That pass-heavy approach also saw Washington finish dead last in rushing attempts. A first-time starting quarterback, Sam Howell, had 23 fewer rushing attempts than the next closest team.

It wasn’t because the Commanders lacked talent in the backfield. Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson formed a solid duo. Robinson enjoyed a bit of a breakout season, rushing for 733 yards in 15 games, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt and leading the team with five rushing touchdowns.

Robinson also improved as a receiver, catching 36 passes for 368 yards and four touchdowns.

Everyone believed Robinson and Gibson should’ve been more involved in the offense.

How are Washington’s running backs viewed across the NFL?

Former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew ranked 72 starting NFL running backs from the 2023 NFL season in his “RB Index.”

Robinson came in at No. 32:

Washington had the fewest rushing attempts in the league this season, due in part to how often the team played from behind, which limited Robinson’s production. Even so, the second-year back amassed 1,101 scrimmage yards in his first full season as RB1. We’ll see if he can build on that under Kliff Kingsbury in 2024.

Gibson came in at No. 55:

Gibson started a pair of mid-December games for Washington and provided underwhelming results. He had more than nine touches in just three games (including one of his starts) in 2023. He’s a free agent this offseason and could be in need of a fresh start.

That’s a fair assessment, but not necessarily Gibson’s fault. Gibson had some good moments; he just didn’t receive enough opportunities. He’s likely to depart, but with Kliff Kingsbury on board, perhaps Gibson could finally have an offensive coach who knows how to best use him.

Every NFL team’s rushing leader from the 2023 regular season

Here is every team’s leading rusher from the 2023 campaign

A Carolina Panther led the entire NFL in rushing this past season!

Oh, wait . . . our apologies . . .

A former Carolina Panther led the entire NFL in rushing this past season!  So, congratulations to Christian McCaffrey, who is also just days away from playing on the game’s biggest stage.

Now, as we continue to put a bow on the year, let’s look back at each team’s leading rusher from the 2023 regular season.

Commanders’ players react to Kliff Kingsbury’s hiring

Two of Washington’s top offensive players fired up about Kliff Kingsbury’s hiring.

Change is in the air in Washington. Last week, the Commanders hired Dan Quinn as head coach. He will be introduced to the media on Monday. This came two weeks after Washington landed the most coveted general manager candidate in the NFL, Adam Peters.

On Sunday night, Quinn began building his coaching staff. First, the news broke that the Commanders had hired former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator. Washington hired Cowboys secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr. as defensive coordinator shortly afterward.

Washington players were already excited about the hiring of Peters and Quinn, with defensive tackle Jonathan Allen saying he was looking forward to next season.

After news broke of Kingsbury’s hiring, two prominent Washington players shared their excitement over the move via X, formerly Twitter.

First, wide receiver Jahan Dotson.

Dotson had a promising rookie season in 2022. However, the former first-round pick took a big step back statistically in 2023 under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Kingsbury’s offense will be fun for Washington’s wide receivers.

Also, Washington’s leading rusher, Brian Robinson Jr., weighed in on the news:

Robinson had a bit of a breakout season in 2023, but Bieniemy’s offense was last in the NFL in rushing attempts. And while Kingsbury’s Air Raid offense is pass-heavy, he runs the ball much more frequently than many assume.

Washington players appear ready for the new era.

 

Ranking Commanders’ 10 biggest needs entering 2024 offseason

We examine all of Washington’s top needs heading into the offseason.

New Washington general manager Adam Peters has his work cut out for him this offseason. Peters inherits a roster with plenty of holes on both sides of the ball.

Fortunately for Peters, the Commanders have six of the top 102 selections in the 2024 NFL draft, including No. 2 overall, and an estimated $75-80 million in cap space this offseason.

Before Peters attacks the roster, he must first find a head coach. Washington’s head coaching search picked up last week with several candidates interviewed.

With some of their teams eliminated from the playoffs, the Commanders could begin scheduling second interviews this week. However, four of the coaches Washington interviewed remain alive in the NFL playoffs, and the Commanders will need to wait at least another week before pursuing a second interview.

As for Washington’s roster, we rank the Commanders’ top 10 needs heading into the 2024 offseason.

Commanders HC candidate led NFL in this type of TDs in 2023

If Ben Johnson is Washington’s next coach, the Commanders will run the ball.

In Friday’s Commanders’ head-coaching search came this tweet from John Keim.

Johnson is a prime candidate to become a head coach during this 2024 hiring cycle. One of the features of Johnson’s running game has been his play-action game. In fact, the Lions led the NFL in touchdowns from play-action while their quarterback was under center.

One memorable feature is that Johnson is content to not gain much yardage on many runs. He continues to call for run plays in the course of games when the Lions are actually having difficulty running.

Why?

He firmly believes that if you run it enough, the defense will take your run game seriously. Consequently, incorporating the play-action fake will increase your odds of hitting some key passing plays later in a game.

In 2022, late in a game against the Vikings, Johnson and the Lions led Minnesota 31-23 at the two-minute warning. However, the Lions faced a 3rd & 7. Johnson did not simply want to run the ball on 3rd 7, most likely giving the ball back to Kirk Cousins with more than enough time to score late.

Johnson had Pro Bowl tackle Penei Sewell go in motion and be the lead blocker for a simple off-tackle run that only gained one yard. On 2nd & 9, Johnson had a receiver go in motion for a simple dive play up the middle for a mere two yards, setting the stage for the 3rd & 7 play.

Johnson could have safely called for another run between the tackles, forcing the Vikings to use one of their remaining timeouts and then punt the ball deep to the Vikings.

Quarterback Jared Goff was again under center, sending Sewell again in motion. Goff took the snap, this time faked the between-the-tackles running play, looked up, and fired a pass to, of all people, Sewell, who was understandably wide open in the flat for the first down.

Move the chains, the Vikings use up their last time out, and the Lions run out the clock; Lions win.

Meanwhile, Washington offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. in 2023, came under heavy criticism for repeatedly choosing to have Sam Howell drop back, too often not employing a play-action fake, nor having Brian Robinson run the ball enough to take off some of the pass rush towards Howell.