Marcus Mariota’s High Praise for Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Marcus Mariota is not shy about his admiration for Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. As the team navigates through challenging times, Rodriguez has emerged as a beacon of hope within the backfield.
Rodriguez had a standout performance against the Miami Dolphins, where he carried the ball 15 times for 79 yards—his best rushing total of the season. This impressive outing did not go unnoticed, as Commanders quarterback Mariota lauded Rodriguez’s ability to make plays under pressure.
“Unbelievable,” Mariota remarked. “There were moments where he broke two or three tackles in the backfield and turned what could have been a loss into a four- or five-yard gain. That allows us to sustain our drives and keep things moving. I really think highly of him. He fits this scheme really well. The more we feed him, the more versatile we can be as an offense.”
Rodriguez’s Impact on the Commanders
Despite the Commanders’ struggles to find the end zone, Rodriguez’s performance has sparked optimism. The team managed to compile 172 rushing yards, and Dan Quinn, the team’s running backs coach, acknowledged the contributions of Rodriguez and his fellow backs.
“Chris is consistent. He’s downhill. He’s tough. We know that,” Quinn noted. “I thought Jeremy had another conversion on third down, which is something he’s known for. We’ll keep digging. All three guys are going to battle and play. Bill had some first downs as well. I’ll have a better sense as we evaluate everything.”
Rodriguez’s steady play has positioned him as a key figure moving forward, potentially earning him a more prominent role in the offense. As the Commanders prepare for their Week 13 matchup against the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football, Rodriguez’s performance may just indicate a shift in the backfield dynamic.
Looking Towards the Future
Rodriguez’s emergence could signal a turning point for the Commanders as they seek to solidify their ground game. With each game, he continues to prove his worth and could very well become the lead back in the coming weeks. The Commanders are poised for growth, and Rodriguez’s contributions may play a significant role in their offensive strategy as the season progresses.
