Dan Quinn, the Washington Commanders’ head coach, has had a lot on his plate over the past six months. He has enjoyed adjusting to his new surroundings, new players, and coaches, but he really enjoys getting to know his running backs. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are Kliff Kingsbury’s one-two punch out of the backfield, so integrating them into the offense has been critical in the early part of the season. Robinson Jr. has been the featured back, with Ekeler splitting time as a running back and receiver, but Quinn admits that getting to know the two and what they can do on the field has been enjoyable.
“They’re different, but they both have unique things,” Quinn said of his running backs. “Getting to know them and learn them and what they can do great has been one of the things I’ve really enjoyed on this early part of the season.” Robinson is Kingsbury’s nasty, bruising runner, totaling 173 yards and a touchdown on 29 tries (6.0 yards per carry), but Ekeler has been used more as a receiver than a back.
The former Los Angeles Charger has only 48 rushing yards on 10 attempts in two games, but as a receiver, he has seven catches for 99 yards and is the offense’s second-leading “receiver.” Related: ‘Finish!’ Commanders’ Red Zone Offense Needs Improvement. The Commanders are the sixth-best club in 2024 running the football, averaging 176.5 yards per game, indicating that it is a top priority for the offensive.
Of course, quarterback Jayden Daniels is an important part of that, but Robinson Jr. and Ekeler complement No. 5 nicely. And we assume that witnessing the duo improve and perform on the field will be something Quinn “really enjoys” as the year progresses.
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