RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, WAS (2 Viewers)

[Balco]

There was a lot of smoke that suggested Washington is very high on Bill. Moving Robinson was a clear sign they think they have something in Bill.

I can't see them trading for anyone substantial.

Was it just Bill, though? Or did they think they could fill the role with a combination of the backs that are on their roster now?

 

[Mitchie]

Think they do kinda like Rodriguez but they could use someone with a pass catching skill set.

 

[smbkrypt24]

One knock was he completely missed the chip on Parsons on one play which blew it up. If the coaching staff values that they may want someone back there that doesn't miss those assignments.

Don't remember seeing JCM much in the 2nd half (if at all). I do think that especially with rookies...this is a tactic coaches will employ to stress the importance of pass protection and what their PT looks like when they make a mistake in this area of the game. A multi-billion dollar business rides with Jayden Daniels. JCM's previous QB's have been Dylan Hopkins and Noah Fifita.

But I suspect RB's have missed chips or had them rendered ineffective on Parsons before.

No doubt, Parson's will make a lot of RBs look dumb. On the play I was watching it seemed like JCM was out of position which is coachable, but can be irritating if that has already been discussed/coached.

 

[barackdhouse]

One knock was he completely missed the chip on Parsons on one play which blew it up. If the coaching staff values that they may want someone back there that doesn't miss those assignments.

Do you remember around what time of the game it was? I guess I didn't see it. I posted a video upthread where he picked up two blocks on one play last week. And there have been a couple other instances of passing plays where he has picked up the blitz. But am curious to see this one. I'll look it up and find it and post it if you can help lead me to it? 1st half?

 

[smbkrypt24]

One knock was he completely missed the chip on Parsons on one play which blew it up. If the coaching staff values that they may want someone back there that doesn't miss those assignments.

Do you remember around what time of the game it was? I guess I didn't see it. I posted a video upthread where he picked up two blocks on one play last week. And there have been a couple other instances of passing plays where he has picked up the blitz. But am curious to see this one. I'll look it up and find it and post it if you can help lead me to it? 1st half?

Let me try to do some more digging. The broadcast booth rewound the play and showed how JCM didn't get a good chip on Parsons and Daniels ended up scrambling to the left and being tackled by Parsons.

ETA: JCM was lined up on the right side of the line on the play. I will try to find it still, just trying to job memory if that helps.

 

[barackdhouse]

I thought GB looked like they were in the WAS huddle and knew the snap count. WAS looked like they were on sedatives.

 

[barackdhouse]

One knock was he completely missed the chip on Parsons on one play which blew it up. If the coaching staff values that they may want someone back there that doesn't miss those assignments.

Do you remember around what time of the game it was? I guess I didn't see it. I posted a video upthread where he picked up two blocks on one play last week. And there have been a couple other instances of passing plays where he has picked up the blitz. But am curious to see this one. I'll look it up and find it and post it if you can help lead me to it? 1st half?

Let me try to do some more digging. The broadcast booth rewound the play and showed how JCM didn't get a good chip on Parsons and Daniels ended up scrambling to the left and being tackled by Parsons.

yeah I mean I certainly believe it but it just stands in stark contrast (to me) to last week when he rocked 2 guys. One play doesn't mean everything by any means and Parson is sort of an asterisk I should think.

plus with Ekeler out it's really academic, he's going to get touches. but Bill has been involved in several passing plays and Daniels has had 2 batted balls on designed screens to him so far. he has also been an available outlet on a few plays that Daniels didn't check down but the opportunity was there.

you don't have to dig for it tho

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Unpopular opinion here, but losing Ekeler is HUGE for the Commanders where they need to bring someone in.
BILL isn't going to fill what Ekeler brought to the team.
I can see them inquire about Najee Harris, Devin Singletary, Rashaad White, AJ Dillon if they want to keep their high draft picks.
Samaje Perine, Zack Moss would be the ultimate cheap option.

They should call the Pats to see if RS or especially Gibson are available.

 

[barackdhouse]

Unpopular opinion here, but losing Ekeler is HUGE for the Commanders where they need to bring someone in.
BILL isn't going to fill what Ekeler brought to the team.
I can see them inquire about Najee Harris, Devin Singletary, Rashaad White, AJ Dillon if they want to keep their high draft picks.
Samaje Perine, Zack Moss would be the ultimate cheap option.

They should call the Pats to see if RS or especially Gibson are available.

they might consider a new play caller too

 

[smbkrypt24]

One knock was he completely missed the chip on Parsons on one play which blew it up. If the coaching staff values that they may want someone back there that doesn't miss those assignments.

Do you remember around what time of the game it was? I guess I didn't see it. I posted a video upthread where he picked up two blocks on one play last week. And there have been a couple other instances of passing plays where he has picked up the blitz. But am curious to see this one. I'll look it up and find it and post it if you can help lead me to it? 1st half?

Let me try to do some more digging. The broadcast booth rewound the play and showed how JCM didn't get a good chip on Parsons and Daniels ended up scrambling to the left and being tackled by Parsons.

yeah I mean I certainly believe it but it just stands in stark contrast (to me) to last week when he rocked 2 guys. One play doesn't mean everything by any means and Parson is sort of an asterisk I should think.

plus with Ekeler out it's really academic, he's going to get touches. but Bill has been involved in several passing plays and Daniels has had 2 batted balls on designed screens to him so far. he has also been an available outlet on a few plays that Daniels didn't check down but the opportunity was there.

you don't have to dig for it tho

Yeah, Parsons is a special athlete so he could be the exception here and not point to a deficiency for JCM.

 

[Football Jones]

There was a lot of smoke that suggested Washington is very high on Bill. Moving Robinson was a clear sign they think they have something in Bill.

I can't see them trading for anyone substantial.

Was it just Bill, though? Or did they think they could fill the role with a combination of the backs that are on their roster now?

They had to know Ekeler was a risk to stay healthy. It's unfortunate he got hurt, but I think the Commanders know they have a very good prospect in Bill.

 

[Football Jones]

As far as the passing game, I think Bill will be fine. He sent a blitzer flying on a block.

We'll know a lot more after next week as to how quick they're going to feature him.

 

[Mongidig]

Call the Broncos to see if Tyler Badie is available.

 

[FantasyGuru24]

Bill will be fine .. Sometimes coaches over think things and can’t get out of their own way with their game scripts. JCM is your most explosive athlete aside from your QB Jayden Daniels .. Get him the ball and get it to him often.

 

[ffmail4me]

Yeah Bill looked better against that tough Packers D than anyone else, and yet got very little opportunity. That should change moving forward.

 

[smbkrypt24]

One knock was he completely missed the chip on Parsons on one play which blew it up. If the coaching staff values that they may want someone back there that doesn't miss those assignments.

Do you remember around what time of the game it was? I guess I didn't see it. I posted a video upthread where he picked up two blocks on one play last week. And there have been a couple other instances of passing plays where he has picked up the blitz. But am curious to see this one. I'll look it up and find it and post it if you can help lead me to it? 1st half?

Let me try to do some more digging. The broadcast booth rewound the play and showed how JCM didn't get a good chip on Parsons and Daniels ended up scrambling to the left and being tackled by Parsons.

yeah I mean I certainly believe it but it just stands in stark contrast (to me) to last week when he rocked 2 guys. One play doesn't mean everything by any means and Parson is sort of an asterisk I should think.

plus with Ekeler out it's really academic, he's going to get touches. but Bill has been involved in several passing plays and Daniels has had 2 batted balls on designed screens to him so far. he has also been an available outlet on a few plays that Daniels didn't check down but the opportunity was there.

you don't have to dig for it tho

Just rewatching every Parson's rush I am thinking it was McNichols now. I believe the broadcasters (or could be I got confused) got it wrong in verbally saying it was JCM, but the jersey is #26 which is McNichols.

 

[Faust]

Dataroma
With the Ekeler injury, it’s important to temper expectations for Bill’s role moving forward. He had just 4 touches last night, and the Commanders clearly have two distinct roles in their backfield (passing downs + early-down grinder).

When Ekeler was out in 2024, Brian Robinson had a 63.6% RB opportunity share. In all other games where he was healthy, that share was still 54.9%. So while there was a boost in touches, B-Rob definitely did not consolidate all the backfield work like a Charbonnet or Allgeier type would.

And Bill isn’t a former 3rd round pick/clear 1A like B-Rob was last year. He’s a rookie 7th rounder that is coming off a 4 touch performance as the clear 1B. So we definitely should not expect Bill to consolidate the majority of the backfield work.

We again saw this backfield dynamic when Ekeler went down late last night, with McNichols being his clear 1-to-1 replacement as the receiving back and taking every remaining snap.

You can bump Bill up a bit with the Ekeler news, but I wouldn’t be expecting some elite role (by any means) now. If you can sell him “high” to somebody who thinks otherwise, I would do so.

https://x.com/ffdataroma/status/1966498683509264418?s=61

 

[fatness]

Ekeler had 17 yards rushing.
Bill had 17 yards rushing.
Daniels had 17 yards rushing.
No running game to speak of, at all.
For the conspiracy folks, Terry McLaurin is #17.

 

[ffmail4me]

Ekeler had 17 yards rushing.
Bill had 17 yards rushing.
Daniels had 17 yards rushing.
No running game to speak of, at all.
For the conspiracy folks, Terry McLaurin is #17.

I also lost my virginity at 17.

 

[VikingFrog]

Ekeler had 17 yards rushing.
Bill had 17 yards rushing.
Daniels had 17 yards rushing.
No running game to speak of, at all.
For the conspiracy folks, Terry McLaurin is #17.

I also lost my virginity at 17.

When I was seventeen,
I drank some very good beer,
I drank some very good beer
I purchased with a fake ID.
My name was Brian McGee,
I stayed up listenin' to Queen
When I was seventeen.

 

[barackdhouse]

One knock was he completely missed the chip on Parsons on one play which blew it up. If the coaching staff values that they may want someone back there that doesn't miss those assignments.

Do you remember around what time of the game it was? I guess I didn't see it. I posted a video upthread where he picked up two blocks on one play last week. And there have been a couple other instances of passing plays where he has picked up the blitz. But am curious to see this one. I'll look it up and find it and post it if you can help lead me to it? 1st half?

Let me try to do some more digging. The broadcast booth rewound the play and showed how JCM didn't get a good chip on Parsons and Daniels ended up scrambling to the left and being tackled by Parsons.

yeah I mean I certainly believe it but it just stands in stark contrast (to me) to last week when he rocked 2 guys. One play doesn't mean everything by any means and Parson is sort of an asterisk I should think.

plus with Ekeler out it's really academic, he's going to get touches. but Bill has been involved in several passing plays and Daniels has had 2 batted balls on designed screens to him so far. he has also been an available outlet on a few plays that Daniels didn't check down but the opportunity was there.

you don't have to dig for it tho

Just rewatching every Parson's rush I am thinking it was McNichols now. I believe the broadcasters (or could be I got confused) got it wrong in verbally saying it was JCM, but the jersey is #26 which is McNichols.

I feel like I remember the part where the commenters said something about the back missing a chip and I didn't think it was Bill or I'd have taken a mental note but I really don't recall anymore.

 

[Judge Smails]

Unpopular opinion here, but losing Ekeler is HUGE for the Commanders where they need to bring someone in.
BILL isn't going to fill what Ekeler brought to the team.
I can see them inquire about Najee Harris, Devin Singletary, Rashaad White, AJ Dillon if they want to keep their high draft picks.
Samaje Perine, Zack Moss would be the ultimate cheap option.

Not unpopular at all.

A guy like Robinson would be good to have right now.

I think Bill is a better runner than BRob. So they have McNichols. Question is can they get a better receiving back who can do what Ekeler did? Personally though I love Ek from his Charger days he just isn’t very effective anymore Don’t think it’s a huge loss talent wise. Probably more for the locker room/huddle

 

[Deranged Hermit]

I can't imagine how anyone would think JCM would have a good game last night. The Pack defense is elite right now against RBs. They did the same thing to Detroit that they did to Washington and JCM is no Gibbs.
Better days are ahead.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Bill sucks

 

[beef]

Bill managed 4.3 ypc against the Packers under elite run defense. Montgomery got 2.3, Gibbs 2.1.

 

[Wrigley]

Bill managed 4.3 ypc against the Packers under elite run defense. Montgomery got 2.3, Gibbs 2.1.

maybe he can get 6 carries.

 

[Dez]

Got an offer for Bill: B Hall for Bill ?
I get to keep B Hall for this year and next year.

I don't see anyway you can pass that up.

Yeah I'll wait after tonights game.

Interesting move. I would be thrilled with that offer. Breece is a proven elite running back when healthy. JCM is a good prospect in a fantastic situation. Not sure I would wait on that…for more than a second or two.

The unknown of JCM is far more intriguing than the mundane fantasy production of Breece ..

How did that unknown feel last night ?

 

[Ray Barboni]

Got an offer for Bill: B Hall for Bill ?
I get to keep B Hall for this year and next year.

I don't see anyway you can pass that up.

Yeah I'll wait after tonights game.

Interesting move. I would be thrilled with that offer. Breece is a proven elite running back when healthy. JCM is a good prospect in a fantastic situation. Not sure I would wait on that…for more than a second or two.

The unknown of JCM is far more intriguing than the mundane fantasy production of Breece ..

How did that unknown feel last night ?I feel likethe Shark pool let this guy down last night ... someone, shouldve driven over to his house, punched him in the weiner -

Got an offer for Bill: B Hall for Bill ?
I get to keep B Hall for this year and next year.

I don't see anyway you can pass that up.

Yeah I'll wait after tonights game.

Interesting move. I would be thrilled with that offer. Breece is a proven elite running back when healthy. JCM is a good prospect in a fantastic situation. Not sure I would wait on that…for more than a second or two.

The unknown of JCM is far more intriguing than the mundane fantasy production of Breece ..

How did that unknown feel last night ?

I feel like the Shark Pool let this guy down last night. Someone, should have driven over to his house, slapped him a bit and told him to absolutely trade BILL for Breece. Why didn't you guys do that?

I still believe Bill will be a nice fantasy RB this year, but c'mon man, you take Breece all day long here.

 

[ffmail4me]

Ekeler had 17 yards rushing.
Bill had 17 yards rushing.
Daniels had 17 yards rushing.
No running game to speak of, at all.
For the conspiracy folks, Terry McLaurin is #17.

I also lost my virginity at 17.

When I was seventeen,
I drank some very good beer,
I drank some very good beer
I purchased with a fake ID.
My name was Brian McGee,
I stayed up listenin' to Queen
When I was seventeen.

Simpsons will NEVER not be awesome

 

[JoeJoe88]

Bill managed 4.3 ypc against the Packers under elite run defense. Montgomery got 2.3, Gibbs 2.1.

I knew it! JCM>Gibbs.

 

[Payne]

Unpopular opinion here, but losing Ekeler is HUGE for the Commanders where they need to bring someone in.
BILL isn't going to fill what Ekeler brought to the team.
I can see them inquire about Najee Harris, Devin Singletary, Rashaad White, AJ Dillon if they want to keep their high draft picks.
Samaje Perine, Zack Moss would be the ultimate cheap option.

Not unpopular at all.

A guy like Robinson would be good to have right now.

I think Bill is a better runner than BRob. So they have McNichols. Question is can they get a better receiving back who can do what Ekeler did? Personally though I love Ek from his Charger days he just isn’t very effective anymore Don’t think it’s a huge loss talent wise. Probably more for the locker room/huddle

I didn't say that. Although I would rather have Robinson. He has shown the ability to be a 3 down back. Bill hasn't yet.

 

[Harjiran]

My gut says it'll be Bill and Chris Rodriguez carrying the load down the stretch like lightning/thunder, with McNichols and maybe a FA TBD sprinkled in. CRod looked pretty good in training camp and preseason and the coaches like him - I'm guessing he won't be inactive again this season, barring some sort of trade or major move at RB. Deebo will also help fill the void left by Ekeler's unfortunate injury.

 

[barackdhouse]

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt is “expected to be the starting running back” moving forward.

Austin Ekeler suffered a non-contact lower-leg injury on Thursday that is believed to be a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture. He has not yet undergone an MRI, but as Rapoport notes, “it feels like everyone knows the results.” Croskey-Merritt has minimal experience in the passing game, so journeyman RB Jeremy McNichols will likely get the first shot at handling passing down duties. As evidenced by his first two NFL games, Croskey-Merritt’s weekly performance can be impacted by game script, operating largely in an early-down role. That said, he should at least see more opportunities on those downs with Ekeler sidelined, and Croskey-Merritt notably converted a third-and-short carry on Thursday night.

 

[beef]

Bill sucks

You spelled Phins wrong.

 

[zamboni]

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt is “expected to be the starting running back” moving forward.

Austin Ekeler suffered a non-contact lower-leg injury on Thursday that is believed to be a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture. He has not yet undergone an MRI, but as Rapoport notes, “it feels like everyone knows the results.” Croskey-Merritt has minimal experience in the passing game, so journeyman RB Jeremy McNichols will likely get the first shot at handling passing down duties. As evidenced by his first two NFL games, Croskey-Merritt’s weekly performance can be impacted by game script, operating largely in an early-down role. That said, he should at least see more opportunities on those downs with Ekeler sidelined, and Croskey-Merritt notably converted a third-and-short carry on Thursday night.

"Starting" running back can be a misnomer, as it's merely the guy on the field for the first offensive play. The question is how big of a piece of the running game pie he'll get, which remains to be seen. The hope is that he can do what his predecessor B-Rob did in assuming the lion's share of the work, even if it means ceding some of the receiving work.

 

[dipandglide]

Everyone is going to be disappointed once WAS trades for a RB.

JCM is a nice bestball piece. I wouldn't touch him in start 'em leagues unless you want duds like you got this week. I'd need to see consistent 15+ touch usage for multiple weeks before he'd be deployed. This is the ultimate sell window in dynasty. Please don't mess it up and get greedy!

 

[brewer]

I suppose they could trade for a RB but would they? They traded Robinson away for a 6th while they had 14M under the cap space. It's not like Ekeler is the ironman of running backs. He misses games (yes this might be the extreme of that).

I don't know, I think Bill is an interesting hold and see in redraft and a do not sell in dynasty until we see a bit more.

 

[zamboni]

I suppose they could trade for a RB but would they? They traded Robinson away for a 6th while they had 14M under the cap space. It's not like Ekeler is the ironman of running backs. He misses games (yes this might be the extreme of that).

I don't know, I think Bill is an interesting hold and see in redraft and a do not sell in dynasty until we see a bit more.

Agree with this - JCM may be a good hold in redraft because trades don't happen all that frequently (notwithstanding the Robinson and Bigsby ones recently) and there is a nice runway for him. But in dynasty, unless he really shows out this year, the team is likely going to draft/sign someone next year to take over the backfield.

 

[Scooby1974]

Ekeler had 17 yards rushing.
Bill had 17 yards rushing.
Daniels had 17 yards rushing.
No running game to speak of, at all.
For the conspiracy folks, Terry McLaurin is #17.

I also lost my virginity at 17.

Doubtful.

 

[Ilov80s]

Everyone is going to be disappointed once WAS trades for a RB.

They should see if a guy like Brian Robinson is available

 

[Ilov80s]

JJ Zacharison had an interesting point. Ekeler injury could be a short term negative. With Ekeler and Bill as the main backs, Bill is the obvious GL choice. With CRod and Bill, it’s not so obvious that Bill is the GL option.

 

[zamboni]

JJ Zacharison had an interesting point. Ekeler injury could be a short term negative. With Ekeler and Bill as the main backs, Bill is the obvious GL choice. With CRod and Bill, it’s not so obvious that Bill is the GL option.

Rodriguez being inactive for the first few weeks is probably a numbers thing (may not play special teams). With him assuredly being active going forward, that is going to open up a role for him in the backfield.

 

[Joe Bryant]

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt is “expected to be the starting running back” moving forward.

Austin Ekeler suffered a non-contact lower-leg injury on Thursday that is believed to be a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture. He has not yet undergone an MRI, but as Rapoport notes, “it feels like everyone knows the results.” Croskey-Merritt has minimal experience in the passing game, so journeyman RB Jeremy McNichols will likely get the first shot at handling passing down duties. As evidenced by his first two NFL games, Croskey-Merritt’s weekly performance can be impacted by game script, operating largely in an early-down role. That said, he should at least see more opportunities on those downs with Ekeler sidelined, and Croskey-Merritt notably converted a third-and-short carry on Thursday night.

Thanks. For all these in the future, can you also please share the link along with the story? Thanks.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Ekeler had 17 yards rushing.
Bill had 17 yards rushing.
Daniels had 17 yards rushing.
No running game to speak of, at all.
For the conspiracy folks, Terry McLaurin is #17.

I also lost my virginity at 17.

Doubtful.

Well that’s just mean.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Everyone is going to be disappointed once WAS trades for a RB.

They should see if a guy like Brian Robinson is available

I already made this joke a page back. 5 yard penalty, loss of posting privileges for 1 hour.

 

[Dez]

Everyone is going to be disappointed once WAS trades for a RB.

They should see if a guy like Brian Robinson is available

I already made this joke a page back. 5 yard penalty, loss of posting privileges for 1 hour.

Yep apparently you can't say anything around here without people crapping on you or the mod giving you a slap on the wrist even when its a real question.

I will take my talents somewhere else.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Everyone is going to be disappointed once WAS trades for a RB.

They should see if a guy like Brian Robinson is available

I already made this joke a page back. 5 yard penalty, loss of posting privileges for 1 hour.

Yep apparently you can't say anything around here without people crapping on you or the mod giving you a slap on the wrist even when its a real question.

I will take my talents somewhere else.

I was only kidding. No one got a timeout for a joke. I was just cracking wise to ilove80s.

 

[mzkp54]

Was offered Kamara for Bill. Not sure if this is a sell high or if bill about to explode

 

[Ilov80s]

Everyone is going to be disappointed once WAS trades for a RB.

They should see if a guy like Brian Robinson is available

I already made this joke a page back. 5 yard penalty, loss of posting privileges for 1 hour.

guess I’m not fully up to date on the Bill Croskey thread, whoops. It’s a good joke because it’s true so I’ll tip the hat to whoever made it first. I don’t mean to be a Carlos Mencia here.

 

[Ilov80s]

Was offered Kamara for Bill. Not sure if this is a sell high or if bill about to explode

I assume this is dynasty. If so that move is very very team dependent.