NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Washington Commanders offense has been flaky all season and that’s not all due to the inconsistencies of QB Sam Howell. For some reason, Eric Bieniemy, the offensive coordinator refuses to give his backs the proper opportunities needed to thrive. What’s staggering is that as a former RB, you would think this would be a top priority. Nope.
Bieniemy is running a similar-styled offense that was run while he was winning titles in Kansas City with Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce. What’s also so similar is that for all their success, the Chiefs were not the best on the ground either. Now here are the Commanders, not armed with the same offensive talent as the Chiefs, and yet here is Bieniemy forgetting one essential rule to winning. Run the damn ball to help your QB.
The Commanders have Brian Robinson Jr and Antonio Gibson in the backfield. While neither is on the level of Derrick Henry or Josh Jacobs, if given the reps, they can and will produce. Heading into their Week 9 game against the New England Patriots, the Commanders have reached 100 yards just 3 times this season. While they say it’s a passing league, that’s crap due to the success that teams have had on the ground. What’s the deal with the Washington Commanders?
The Washington Commanders are currently ranked 32nd in rushing attempts, 26th in rushing yards, but 12th in Yards Per Rush. The numbers are there if they were to just stick with it. While a chunk of the blame regarding their up-and-down season is being placed at the feet of Howell, the truth is, that the QB can only do but so much. Too many passes on 3rd and short. A proper ground game is supposed to help elevate those situations. Robinson Jr is not a small back. He’s built to move piles and the chains. Gibson is shifty and a good option to catch the ball out of the backfield and yet, Bieniemy is choosing to ignore them both.
Can The Washington Commanders Make The Playoffs
No, their offensive line is not the best in the league. but with your QB being sacked 40+ times so far in the season, you would think they would devise ways to help him. Having Howell drop back constantly, is not the answer, a QB, no matter how good he is will start developing happy feet and His mind will start to wander. This is why you hand the damn ball off and keep those defenders on their heels.
Moving forward, if the Washington Commanders are to make some sort of run, it starts with the backfield. A hurt Howell does nothing for the season. But with the backs seeing limited action, they are fresh heading into the second half of the season. It’s time to use all your weapons.
