Commanders offensive coordinator Scott Turner understands the success Washington had running the ball Monday night in Philadelphia. Yet, Turner does understand the Commanders will need to continue to evaluate their running game.
“Obviously, yards per carry weren’t great, but we had 49 attempts. A lot of those were short yardage attempts where certain ones, we get a yard, that’s good enough in that situation. Some of those runs down on the goal line, so your average is going to be a little bit lower. We knew it was gonna be that type of game. We wanted to grind it out. We wanted to get in third and short and convert. We were able to do that.”
Turner acknowledges the Commanders conversions on third down was encouraging in the first half.
“Obviously, the first half set the tempo with going nine for 12 on third down. We didn’t have a great start to start the game and then we scored on five straight drives. The yards per carry wasn’t great, but as far as the run game, it was effective because we had a lot of ’em and we were able to stay on the field.”
Turner was asked if the running game was starting to ascend. Yet Turner was wise to simply comment on that game’s running game.
“It’s a week-to-week league. I mean, that’s a pretty good defense that we did that against. So if we can do it against them, I mean, we might as well. The biggest thing is just like I’ve told the guys, I love to run the ball. We gotta convert third downs in order to get those calls. So as long as we can continue to do that when we’re in those third and shorts, we have a better opportunity to convert. Every game’s different.”
Thus far in 2022, the Bears (36.0), Giants (34.4) and Eagles (32.9) average the most running attempts per game. Of note is that their quarterbacks run the ball several times each game as well. Monday the Commanders ran the ball 49 times, though one notices they only average 28.8 a game.
“49, I think that’s the most runs that I’ve ever had calling a game. Probably not gonna get that many, but we’ve got 42 before, we’ve gotten up to those numbers. If you’re doing that, you’re probably doing some good things. So, like I said, every game could play out differently. I am happy we’re getting some of those guys back. I just think a lot of our guys are getting better too. We got some young players that are getting more experience and they’re getting more comfortable and confident and they’re getting better as the season goes on, which is what you wanna see.”
Turner didn’t realize Brian Robinson had run the ball as much as the statistics later revealed. Yet, he was encouraged and thinks Robinson will elevate his game.
“Yeah, that was really cool. I didn’t realize it was 26 carries until after the game. You’re kind of in the middle of it. Like I said earlier, there wasn’t anything flashy about it. Obviously got in the end zone, was a hell of a run and effort. Talked to those guys about being physical and setting the tone. He really led the charge with that, so that was good to see. I think as he keeps running the ball the way he does, I think his vision will keep getting better and better and you’re gonna see some bigger runs come out of that.”