Commanders Using Run Game to 'Prop The O-Line Up,' Says Ron Rivera

The Washington Commanders ran 28 times for 92 yards against the Arizona Cardinals.

When the Washington Commanders needed their offense to come through the most, their running game got the job done in their 20-16 win at FedEx Field over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Washington had 28 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown from Sam Howell. Howell's six-yard score gave the Commanders a 17-16 lead with 11:48 left in the game. 

Brian Robinson led the way with 19 carries for 59 yards. While it wasn't pretty, Robinson's ability to run the ball accomplished two key things for the Commanders. It protected the offensive line and chewed the clock throughout the fourth quarter after they regained the lead. 

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Those two things were pivotal down the stretch for Commanders head coach Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. 

“In talking to EB about it, he felt it was an opportunity to grind it out and really, like you said, prop the offensive line up, give them a chance to just load up and fire off and see what happens," Rivera said. "It was one of those things too that if you can move the ball successfully in those situations and control the clock, you increase your opportunities to win in certain situations. I think that's some of the thinking that goes into it.”

Washington had the ball for 8:47 in the fourth quarter.

The Commanders' ability to run the ball was pivotal because of their struggles on the offensive line. Howell was sacked six times, including one that led to a fumble that was recovered by Arizona and ran back for a touchdown. 

One of the best ways to protect an offensive line is by having a strong running game. Not only will it keep Howell out of trouble, but it'll buy him more time when it drops back because opposing defensive lines have to be warier of play-action passes.

Washington will be back in action on Sunday when they go on the road to face the Denver Broncos at 4:25 p.m. ET at Empower Field at Mile High.