Running Back Strategy: Long Game or Short Gains?
LANDOVER, Md. — Is there a deeper strategy at play?
Could Cam Skattebo’s struggles to break off significant runs be part of a long-term game plan?
“Yeah, definitely,” the second-year running back stated. “In the early stages of the season, I like to wear down my opponents. By games seven, eight, or nine, they might be less inclined to tackle hard. That’s when I can just sprint past them, you know, when they’re too worn out to really focus.”
“Right now, I’m just focusing on playing my game. I could probably make some fancier moves, but honestly, sometimes, just taking the hit can be more beneficial for the team. I know I need to improve in the run game—maybe if I tweaked my cuts here and there, it could make a big difference. I’m going to keep pushing myself to get better.”
This season, Skattebo’s longest run stands at just 13 yards. Remarkably, he has recorded the most rushing attempts (68) among NFL players without gaining 15 yards or more on any single rush.
Meanwhile, the Browns’ Quinshon Judkins comes in second with 59 carries without a long gain, while Najee Harris of the Giants follows with a top run of just 11 yards.
The Giants are managing an average of 3.7 yards per rushing attempt. Surprisingly, the two longest runs for the Giants in the first four games belong to quarterbacks Jaxson Dart (22 yards) and Jameis Winston (15 yards).
“Yeah, we’re just not quite there yet,” said coach John Harbaugh. “Defenses are playing us well. As we improve, I think we’ll see more longer runs. Also, utilizing play action may help us loosen them up.”
Currently, the Commanders boast the sixth-best run defense in the NFL, allowing only 93.9 rushing yards per game, while ranking 25th in pass defense.
With heavy rain expected this Sunday, the emphasis on the running game may be even more critical for both teams.
“As linemen, we love to run the ball,” guard Jon Runyan Jr. mentioned. “We’ll pass if necessary, but establishing the run makes our jobs easier and is just more enjoyable.”
On a different note, Commanders QB Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers, former LSU teammates in 2022 and 2023, have both shown flashes of brilliance but have also faced serious injuries that sidelined them.
“It’s been a tough year for both of us,” Nabers shared. “But it’s exciting to see him back on the field after everything he’s been through. I can’t wait to watch him do what he’s capable of.”
In Washington, first-year defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is an advocate of Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy tactics, which were effective during their time together with the Vikings.
The Commanders blitz in 46% of passing situations—more frequently than any other team, except the Vikings. This puts Winston in a tricky spot, considering he holds the second-lowest passer rating in the league this year when blitzed.
