Jacory Croskey-Merritt electrifies with 72-yard touchdown run against Cowboys
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the rookie running back for the Washington Commanders, continues to garner attention with his standout performances, particularly during Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys. In a game where the Commanders needed a spark, Croskey-Merritt delivered in spectacular fashion, scoring on a remarkable 72-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. This explosive play not only showcased his speed and agility but also provided a much-needed boost to the team’s morale.
A Moment of Opportunity
Reflecting on his impressive run, Croskey-Merritt expressed the thrill of seizing the moment. “I saw daylight, and I was like, ‘This is my chance to show when it’s open field, I can take it the distance.’ And I mean, it worked out, it worked out perfect,” he said, capturing the essence of that electrifying moment.
A Breakthrough Performance
This performance marked a significant milestone for Croskey-Merritt, particularly as he stepped into a starting role with Chris Rodriguez Jr. sidelined due to illness. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn noted his rookie’s journey through inconsistent opportunities, but praised his resilience and dedication.
“Yeah, the thing that comes to mind that I’m impressed by is like coming in, I know this was a short week, but some of the running backs told me this earlier,” Quinn shared. “He likes to meet early and get ahead. When we got to how we’re doing blitz pickup meetings, he was the one answering—he’s so urgent about wanting to deliver for the guys.”
Quinn highlighted Croskey-Merritt’s growth, particularly in understanding game plans and improving in critical areas like blitz protection. “Finding the end zone, that’s a big deal in the long run. Getting outside and finishing those were some of the things, but I’ve seen him grow a lot in the knowledge of the game,” he added.
Looking Ahead
The Commanders are confident in Croskey-Merritt’s potential. With the final games of the season approaching, they are keen to provide him with extended opportunities to showcase why he represents a crucial investment for the team’s future beyond 2026.
As they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18 at Lincoln Financial Field, Croskey-Merritt’s breakout performance against the Cowboys has set the stage for what could be an exciting conclusion to his rookie season.
