There is a lot of blame to go around with the Washington Commanders right now. But given his status and influence behind the scenes, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury isn't getting nearly as much criticism as others for the team's demise.
Kingsbury's unit has regressed this season. There are mitigating circumstances behind their slump, but the play-caller's scheme is once again getting found out after taking the NFL by storm in 2024.
He has also come under fire for his personnel usage. Missing so many key men isn't ideal, but some sections of the fan base have noticed hesitancy to ride the hot hand and a lack of adjustments to what is unfolding during games from week to week.
Commanders pundit criticizes Kliff Kingsbury for frustrating lack of adjustments
Lynnell Willingham from 106.7 The Fan highlighted the situation with running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., in particular, as something Kingsbury should have figured out a lot sooner. The pundit thought it prudent to lean on the run game with so many wide receivers out through injury. But even though the Kentucky product is clearly the most productive rusher right now, his play-caller isn't acting like it.
"I'm glad Jordan Magee is playing well. I'm glad Chris Rodriguez Jr. is playing well. Where have they been? That is my frustration. With all the receivers that are down, you would think, well, the offensive line is the healthiest group on the team. Your running back room is one of the healthiest on the team. Yet you're not leaning into their strengths. Is it fair to judge Kliff [Kingsbury] because he's without his starting quarterback, and he's without his starting wide receivers? I say yes and no. I feel for him, but I also look at his inability to adjust to the personnel."
Lynnell Willingham
Willingham is right. Take Week 11, for example. Rodriguez ran the football extremely effectively in the first half against the Miami Dolphins. Instead of maintaining or even enhancing this momentum, Kingsbury made him almost an innocent bystander after the interval. Washington lost in overtime, and Kingsbury got his fair share of skepticism in the defeat's immediate aftermath.
Rodriguez should have been gaining prominent reps much earlier in the season. But even after proving his ability to come through in high-pressure situations, Kingsbury clearly doesn't trust him fully for some reason. The Commanders aren't playing for anything other than pride now, so putting more on the plate of younger players is crucial ahead of some important roster decisions this offseason.
Kingsbury needs to recognize this, especially given the buzz around his chances of being a head coach again is reportedly diminishing. Anything less at this juncture is organizational malpractice.