After the trade of Brian Robinson Jr., fans were unsure what the Commanders’ running back room would look like. In the wake of that, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a rookie out of Arizona, assumed the role of Washington’s best running back. He did it by superb vision, speed, and love for the game of football.
Last week’s game against the Chargers proved what most already knew, that Croskey-Merritt is the Commanders’ true RB1.
The Run-By-Committee Strategy
The run-by-committee strategy is when a team shares the amount of carries somewhat equally amongst the running back room. Washington employed this strategy a lot this season, even before the injury to Austin Ekeler.
This strategy is what allowed Croskey-Merritt to emerge in the first game of the season. He got the most out of his attempts, running for 82 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.
The run-by-committee strategy is not built to last. As a team goes deeper into the season, they need a true hierarchy at the running back position. A position group with clear roles intact will be more effective. A team needs a clear starting running back and two other running backs for short-yardage situations and other designed runs.
This strategy allowed the evaluation of each running back; now it’s time to place them in their correct roles.
A Rising Tide Raises all Ships
Croskey-Merritt has been one of the NFL’s premier running backs through the first five weeks. In the Chargers game, he ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. His vision, speed, and agility stood out in the win. He goes from almost stationary to top speed in a blink. He uses this to run through gaps before the defense can close them.
His dynamic running set up the offense perfectly. The defense had to focus on him, which opened up the passing game. Croskey-Merritt looked like one of the most dynamic players on the field, which is a testament to him as a player, the offensive line, and the play-calling.
Simply put, his being on the field simply makes the offense better.
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An Injection of Youth, Speed, and Excitement
Croskey-Merritt runs with pace, tenacity, and conviction. Every time he gets the ball, there’s big play potential. His impact is felt by the fans, his teammates, and his opponents.
The Commanders have the oldest roster in the NFL; they needed a young running back without the wear and tear. Croskey-Merritt can handle the workload that comes with being RB1 and should be a face of the organization for years to come.
Conclusion
Croskey-Merritt won the starting job by making the most of his opportunities from training camp to the games. His love of football is palpable and makes the team and fans rally around him. He has truly become a fan favorite this season.
When he’s playing, the Commanders almost look unbeatable as the run game hits on all cylinders. Croskey-Merritt has defined Commander’s football this season.
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