The running back played a starring role in Week 2.
Brian Robinson Jr.'s sensational performance in Week 2 against the New York Giants played a leading role in the Washington Commanders' last-gasp success. The running back took the mantle and thrived with extra responsibility on his shoulders. It's still early in the campaign, but his partnership with veteran free-agent signing Austin Ekeler already looks like an extremely profitable one.
It was arguably Robinson's best game since he entered the league as a third-round selection in 2022. He was explosive and incredibly difficult to bring down, running with ruthless aggression to give the Giants' defense nightmares throughout. The Commanders also gave the player 17 carries, which he turned into 133 yards with a 7.6 yards per rush average.
This is all Robinson's wanted over the last two years. He wants to be counted on. He wants to be the focal point and help this team prosper. The Alabama product doesn't want to do it alone, but he does want to be an important piece of the puzzle.
Commanders have more faith in Brian Robinson Jr. under Kliff Kingsbury
Eric Bieniemy's reluctance to implement a balanced offensive attack proved to be his downfall last season. Robinson still went over 1,000 all-purpose yards within his system. However, he's made no secret of the unhappiness regarding his usage during the Super Bowl winner's only campaign as Washington's offensive coordinator.
Robinson took another subtle swipe at Bieniemy following his breakout showing against the Giants. The backfield threat said it's been a long time since he's had this many touches and thanked the new coaching staff for having more faith in him than the previous play-caller.
"It’s been a while since I got 17 (carries) in one game, too, so I appreciate all that love from my coaches, and I expect to keep building off of that."
- Brian Robinson Jr. via USA Today
This won't come as a shock to those who follow the Commanders closely. It didn't take Bieniemy long to rub certain players the wrong way. His harsh coaching methods weren't well-received by some. Ignoring the ground game in favor of a pass-happy attack did quarterback Sam Howell and the offensive line no favors whatsoever. Kliff Kingsbury has immediately changed that and Robinson is reaping the rewards.
The last time Robinson got 17 or more touches was Week 11 of the 2023 season against - you guessed it - the Giants. He reached this number just four times under Bieniemy's watch. In contrast, he was allocated this number of rushes seven times as a rookie, and that was after coming back from a gunshot wound.
Robinson is thriving with Kingsbury leading the charge. Having a prolific veteran alongside him in the running back room is helping the third-year pro take his game to new heights. Couple this with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' ability to generate yards on the ground, and this has all the makings of a potent trio as the campaign progresses.
If Robinson keeps up the same pace for a full 17-game slate, he's on track for 1,470 rushing yards. That's a lofty bar for which to aim, but reaching the 1,000-yard milestone is well within his capabilities. Anything after that is a bonus.
Bieniemy's lackluster stint with the team is a distant memory. Kingsbury's offense isn't perfect just yet. It is getting more from the rushing attack - something that will help considerably if the same trend continues.
And who knows, Robinson could potentially make himself a ton of money along the way.
