The Washington Commanders shot themselves in the foot with an overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins. Their international game was largely underwhelming, but a crucial interception by quarterback Marcus Mariota eventually proved the team's undoing.
Head coach Dan Quinn's squad is now 3-8 heading into their bye week. It's been an unmitigated disaster with very few positives to cheer. However, the game in Madrid did provide the Commanders with official confirmation of a theory that fans have long suspected.
Washington gave running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. the start once again. He was dealing with an injury throughout the week, but judging by the explosive purpose he was displaying right out of the gate, it didn't seem to be bothering him all that much.
Commanders should keep Chris Rodriguez Jr. as their lead back after the bye
Rodriguez broke off some significant gains, finally establishing a ground attack for the Commanders that had been sorely lacking in recent weeks. Just why Kliff Kingsbury stopped giving him the required touches as the contest wore on is anyone's guess, but his performance proved beyond all doubt that he is Washington's best running back currently.
The Kentucky product carried the ball 15 times for 79 rushing yards. Rodriguez also brought in his only target for six receiving yards and looked like a useful pass blocker when the situation dictated. It wasn't enough for Washington to win, but his status as the No. 1 option should be secured after the bye week.
After being extremely hesitant to get Rodriguez the reps his performances deserved over the last two seasons, giving him an extended run over the final six games is essential. The Commanders are 3-8, playing for nothing other than pride the rest of the way. They must start planning for the future, and that means giving the 2023 sixth-round pick an extended run in the lineup as part of their ongoing assessments.
Anything less is organizational malpractice at this stage. Rodriguez does nothing but produce whenever his number is called. He is on a different level than Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols currently. Kingsbury prefers a committee approach to keep everyone fresh, but there is no doubt where the bulk of carries should be going.
Rodriguez has earned them. He was a healthy scratch to start the campaign, but he worked hard behind the scenes to improve his craft. When Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles, his chance came. And he has seized it with both hands.
If the same trend continues, the Commanders would be wise to keep Rodriguez around in 2026.