Ranking Commanders' offensive position groups against NFC East rivals in 2023
By Jonathan Eig
Commanders position groups vs. NFC East - RB
1. New York Giants
Each team in the NFC East has a pretty good lead running back. Saquon Barkley is the best, and I don’t think it’s all that close.
Barkley appears fully healthy now. He finally has a quality offensive line. And he is playing for a contract. All that adds up to a big year.
Behind him, the New York Giants still have veteran Matt Brieda and added rookie Eric Gray, who could be a solid receiving option. As of now, Barkley has yet to sign his franchise tag offer, and there are rumors that he is considering sitting out the season.
Obviously, the Giants fall from first to worst should that happen. But it seems unlikely.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
D’Andre Swift is better than Miles Sanders. Rashad Penny is better than … well, the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t really have a backup running back in 2022. That production went to Jalen Hurts.
They rebuilt the running back room this offseason, which should take some pressure off Hurts and make the whole offense better. By the way, they still have their second and third running backs from last year (Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell) just in case.
3. Washington Commanders
I think Brian Robinson Jr. is the real deal and will have a big year in 2023. I think Eric Bieniemy will find creative ways to use Antonio Gibson, which will mitigate the loss of J.D. McKissic.
And I think the Washington Commanders have solid bruisers in Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jonathan Williams to relieve some of the wear and tear from Robinson. All told, this is an underrated group.
4. Dallas Cowboys
I know – I didn’t acknowledge CeeDee Lamb’s majesty, and now I seem to be doing the same with Tony Pollard. I just want to see how he functions as the undisputed lead back.
Maybe he will shine. But Pollard wouldn’t be the first player to take a step back when he was asked to carry a bigger load.
Behind him, Ronald Jones has always been a bit of a dart throw. I’m not sure there’s much left there. I do like the acquisition of Deuce Vaughn as a third-down back. I kind of wish the Commanders had drafted him.