Through the first four weeks of the 2022 NFL season, Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson looked like the leading contender for NFL offensive rookie of the year.
Dotson had 12 receptions for 152 yards and four touchdowns in his first four games. He was named Pepsi rookie of the week for his performance in a Week 1 win over the Jaguars.
Then, in a Week 4 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Dotson injured his hamstring. He would miss the next five games, and a lot would happen during those five weeks.
Dotson returned in the Week 10 upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He received one target in the game, making a catch for 14 yards. Unfortunately for Dotson, a lack of targets has been a theme since his return.
In three games since his return, Dotson has four targets. He has two receptions for 27 yards.
Some point to Washington’s change at quarterback for Dotson’s lack of targets. Dotson worked with Carson Wentz a lot in the offseason, and the pair had developed a strong rapport. Taylor Heinicke has been starting since Week 7 and often targets Washington’s No. 1 wideout, Terry McLaurin.
The quarterback change isn’t why Dotson only has two receptions. It’s the game plan. The Commanders are running more with Heinicke under center, meaning fewer targets for everyone in the passing game.
Heinicke discussed his connection with Dotson this week.
“Yeah, obviously we want to give him the ball more, but we’re running the ball like we are doing and what Terry’s doing, some guys aren’t gonna get the ball,” Heinicke said. “I kind of said this several weeks ago, when you have a bunch of weapons like this, someone’s gonna get shorthanded, and from week to week it might be one person or another.”
This isn’t coachspeak from Heinicke. For the first time in a while, the Commanders do have multiple legit offensive weapons. But with a focus on running the ball and dominating the time of possession, there aren’t going to be a lot of targets.
Head coach Ron Rivera echoed a similar sentiment but believes Dotson will receive more opportunities.
“I think a lot of that has to do with what we’re doing,” Rivera said. “It was mentioned that we’re playing a little bit more 12 and 13 personnel, and that’s by design. So it’s going to cut some of those opportunities for Jahan. He’s still important and very integral into what we’re doing, and he’s developing, and he’s growing, and we all know he’s got the potential to be a very, very good player for us. And it’s just a matter of time before you see him start getting some more opportunities.”
There’s nothing wrong with Dotson. He will get his opportunities again, but right now, the Commanders have a winning formula and will continue to follow that blueprint until they are forced to change.
