Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. Focal Point in Eric Bieniemy's Offense?
The Washington Commanders head into next season with a positive outlook. After missing out on the postseason (they really shouldn't have), former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was named as the successor to Scott Turner.
That brings a level of excitement and optimism considering Bieniemy's track record with the Chiefs.
Soon-to-be second-year running back Brian Robinson Jr. enduring a solid rookie season, but could he be set to be "the guy" on offense under Bieniemy?
With the quarterback situation thought to be a one horse-race as of now (even though Washington signed Jacoby Brissett), Sam Howell will need to be placed in an environment where he can excel.
How does that happen? By running the football.
We have seen rookie and backup quarterbacks be sheltered by the run game, and in Howell's case, we could see that next season.
Robinson will have an entire preseason (barring an injury) to get used to Bieniemy's scheme.
Keeping Howell in short-yardage situations will be critical for the Commanders to keep moving down the field, and that's where Robinson comes into play.
We saw the brutal running style of Robinson on show last season, and we can expect more of the same under Bieniemy as running the football feels like how Washington will win games.
Add in the offensive line reinforcements of Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie, and suddenly running the football becomes a little easier.
Among rookie running backs last season, Robinson ranked sixth in rushing yards (797), fifth in rushing attempts (205), and third in yards per game (66.4). Remember that he missed the first four games due to the carjacking incident during the offseason.
So, if Robinson can play all 17 regular season games, there is a real chance he can develop into the running back that the Commanders can lean on in any situation.
Also, that will only bode well for Howell as defenses can stack the box with seven or eight defenders, giving the quarterback some relatively easy throws to his receivers.
While it is just speculation, in 2023, the Commanders could go as Robinson Jr. goes and that will bode well for Howell as a result.
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