The Commanders need to sustain drives to unlock their up-tempo scheme. That requires a more productive running game.
Film and advanced stats show a steep decline in production from the running backs: less yards per carry, less consistent success, fewer explosive plays and fewer third-down conversions. In the Commanders’ loss Sunday, their third in a row, the Dallas Cowboys countered a regular third-down pass-protection scheme — chip the edge rushers out of empty formation — by moving edge rusher Micah Parsons inside.
In the past three weeks, Commanders running backs have run the ball 57 times, and they have had more negative runs (seven) than runs of 10 or more yards (three) — which is one reason the offense has gotten behind the sticks so often.