When everyone talks about new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, much of the focus is on quarterback Sam Howell and the passing game. But Bieniemy, a former NFL running back and longtime running backs coach, understands the importance of a strong ground game.
The Commanders have a pair of talented backs in Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson. Both former third-round picks have had success in the NFL, and their different skill sets present Bieniemy with some intriguing options on offense.
Gibson, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2021, is a former college wide receiver and, under Bieniemy, could be used more in space in 2023. Robinson is a power runner who thrives between the tackles. However, Gibson can run between the tackles, while Robinson has proven he can catch passes out of the backfield, giving Washington some flexibility with each back.
How important are Robinson and Gibson to the Commander in 2023?
Andy Benoit of The 33rd Team calls the combination Washington’s biggest X-Factors in 2023.
New assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy is a well-known offensive coordinator but unknown play-caller. He headed up the run game scheme for most of his 10 years in Kansas City, and it reasons that “the run game” will be the starting point for his Washington Commanders offense.
There is no Kelce or Tyreek Hill on the roster, and there certainly is no Mahomes. Whether the starting quarterback winds up being 2022 fifth-round pick Sam Howell or serviceable journeyman Jacoby Brissett, the Commanders will be playing with a quarterback whom they want dropping back, say, 35 times a game, not 50.
With an offensive line that is at best good but not great, the Commanders will be reliant on their ball carriers to generate the occasional big play on their own and, more regularly, turn 4-yard runs into 7-yard runs. It remains to be seen if second-year pro Brian Robinson and fourth-year pro Antonio Gibson are up to that task.
Robinson has more buildup speed than burst. He can get tough yards inside. The question: Can he create his own space? Or is he just a slightly more dynamic Najee Harris (i.e., stiff and easily replaceable)? Gibson, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound strong finisher, is stylistically similar to Robinson but with a little less power and a little more versatility, especially as a receiver. The Commanders will need these guys to be a productive, high-volume two-headed monster.
It’s tough to dispute anything Benoit said here. He appears to have a solid grasp on Washington’s running back situation. There are similarities between the two backs; each offer something different, giving Bieniemy plenty of options on all three downs. And the pair are similar enough that Gibson can spell Robinson for a series, or vice versa, and that Gibson isn’t merely just a third-down back.
It will be interesting to see how Bieniemy employs the duo — and rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr. — in 2023. Bieniemy is a big fan of Rodriguez and played a big role in Washington selecting him in the 2023 NFL draft.
With the Commanders expected to start Sam Howell at quarterback, a ground game is essential for the young signal-caller.
