Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. Sets 'Minimum' Benchmark For Next Season

Brian Robinson had a solid rookie campaign for the Commanders, and has his sights set on being even better in his second year.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. is hoping to build from the momentum he had in his rookie season. 

After missing the opening four games due to a carjacking incident where he was shot, the rookie performed well for Scott Turner's offense.

Robinson finished his rookie year playing 12 games (starting nine) and rushing for 797 yards and two touchdowns, with his bruising running style winning over many fans rather quickly. 

Had he not missed the first four games, there is a real chance Robinson would have surpassed the 1,000-yard mark...and now, second-year back knows the minimum requirement heading into next season.

"That's the minimum (1,000 rushing yards)," Robinson said in a one-on-one interview with Julie Donaldson.

Considering that the running back missed a month of football, getting to that 1,000-yard mark is likely well within reach, with Bieniemy taking over as the new offensive coordinator as Turner was shown the door.

There can be a little tension when a new coach enters the setup, but for Robinson, having Bieniemy as his go-to guy is something that is an advantage for the running back room.

"It's easy for me to listen to him based on his experience and the fact that we can relate to each other based on playing the same position," Robinson said. "I think that's a little bit more of an advantage for the running backs on our team."

With Sam Howell likely to be the team's starter entering training camp, Robinson will likely be shouldering the offensive workload on the ground with rookie Chris Rodriguez out of Kentucky. 

Keeping Howell out of harm's way will be paramount to Washington's success next season, and Robinson and Rodriguez are good in pass protection.

But while that side of the game is crucial, having Robinson wreak havoc on the ground is certainly the way forward for the Commanders next season. As for that 1,000-rushing yard 'minimum,' that feels like a very gettable target for Robinson next season.

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