Ranking the Commanders’ 3 biggest strengths before OTAs

2. Running Back

It was tough giving running back the nod over the offensive line, but the Commanders legitimately have a three-headed monster at the position. How many other teams can say that? The Dolphins now, for sure. The 49ers? Several teams have two horses, but three? Washington’s now on an island by itself in this regard.

For starters, Antonio Gibson finished sixth in the league in rushing yards and scored 10 touchdowns from scrimmage in 2021. He’s a broken tackle machine and will further ascending up the RB rankings if he rectifies his fumbling woes.

JD McKissic, on the other hand, is maybe the best third-down and pass-protector at the position. At the very least, he was the offense’s most important player the last two seasons, finishing second on the team in catches both years while racking up 6.1 yards per touch and accounting for 86 first downs.

Joining Gibson and McKissic, already an underrated RB duo, is third-rounder Brian Robinson Jr. out of Alabama. This pick didn’t resonate on draft night, but fans are going to absolutely love what Robinson brings to the backfield.

According to PFF, Robinson totaled 891 rushing yards after contact, which ranked 12th in the nation and 79 forced missed tackles, which tied for sixth. Don’t be surprised if he eats into Gibson’s workload as the season wears on, especially if Gibson continues to put the ball on the turf.