It was a significant offseason for the Washington Commanders on offense. In addition to the trade of quarterback Carson Wentz, Washington signed star wide receiver Terry McLaurin to an extension, drafted Jahan Dotson in the first round and re-signed running back J.D. McKissic.
The Commanders also selected former Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. in the third round of the draft, giving them a solid backfield trio of Robinson, McKissic and starter Antonio Gibson.
However, not everyone is high on Washington’s 2022 backfield.
Pro Football Focus recently ranked every team’s position group ahead of the 2022 season, and in its analysis of the running back position, the Commanders came in at No. 26.
Washington running backs collectively ranked 23rd in yards per carry (4.1) despite its offensive line ranking ninth in PFF run-blocking grade among 32 units. Lead back Antonio Gibson played through injuries for much of the year, and it showed, as his PFF grade fell from 78.6 as a rookie to 63.3 in 2021. The Commanders likely hope that he bounces back and is complemented by 2022 draft selection Brian Robinson Jr. alongside the (controversially) returning J.D. McKissic.
PFF’s opinion of Washington’s backfield is certainly subjective. Sure, we can point to Washington’s decrease in yards per carry and Gibson’s step back, but that doesn’t tell the entire story for the 2022 group.
We have yet to see the best of Gibson, who was terrific as a rookie in his first season as a full-time running back. Sure, he struggled with fumbles last season, but go back and watch Washington during its four-game winning streak from November, and you’ll see how vital he is to the offense.
The Commanders thought they lost McKissic, but the elite pass-catching back had a change of heart and returned to Washington. Coaches and players were relieved. McKissic helps the Commanders win games. Look no further than his impact in wins over the Falcons and Seahawks last season.
Robinson is a physical, downhill running back with low tread on his tires. He’s not a game-breaker, but he can give the Commanders something they lacked last season.
Washington also has Jaret Patterson, who flashed at times last season.
Would you call this the No. 26 unit in the NFL?
While no one is saying Washington’s running backs are a top-five unit, this group is certainly among the top 15 in the NFL, with the potential to be even better.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Commanders Wire…