Toronto Star
· collected 2026-09-17 · by Ethan Cadeaux The Associated Press
In his first game as a key player in David Blough's new offensive system, Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt had 16 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team sees potential for him to exploit the Cowboys’ defense, which struggled with the Giants' rushing attack the previous week, allowing 165 rushing yards. Coach Dan Quinn highlighted Croskey-Merritt’s physical improvements and ability to withstand contact, but emphasized the need for better ball security after a fourth-quarter fumble against Philadelphia.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-17,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
In his first game under new offensive coordinator David Blough's system, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, nicknamed "Bill," had 16 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown in the Washington Commanders' 24-22 loss to Philadelphia. Despite facing one of the NFL’s best defenses, Croskey-Merritt’s performance showcased potential in Blough's zone-run scheme designed for players like him who can make quick cuts. Coach Dan Quinn highlighted Croskey-Merritt’s ability to evade tackles and reach higher levels on defense.
The Commanders plan to face the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday, aiming to exploit a defense that allowed 165 rushing yards to the New York Giants recently. The Giants’ success in run plays led to significant time of possession (36:40) and limited the Cowboys' offense in the second half. This strategy is what the Commanders hope to replicate against Dallas, emphasizing control over game tempo through a strong running attack.
Written for “Nfl Football Game Plan” on 2026-09-17,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s first run of the season foreshadowed what the Washington Commanders hope is to come.
asserted
Commanders → foreshadow → season
The second-year running back known as “Bill” took a handoff from Jayden Daniels, planted his left foot, cut upfield and ran over a defender for an 11-yard gain.
Croskey-Merritt finished the 24-22 loss Philadelphia with 16 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown, a modest performance against one of the NFL’s best defenses.
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Merritt → know → defenses
the running back’s first game in new offensive coordinator David Blough’s system, a zone-run based scheme that could fit a one-cut runner like Croskey-Merritt.
uncertain
that → base → Merritt
“I love the twitch that you see with Bill,” coach Dan Quinn said.
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Quinn → love → Bill
“When we can get him onto the second and third level, that presents a real problem from a tackling standpoint.”
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that → get → standpoint
The Commanders visit Dallas on Sunday, going up against a Cowboys defense that allowed 165 rushing yards to the New York Giants in a 28-20 loss.
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that → visit → loss
The Giants’ run game success gave them a significant edge in time of possession (36:40 to 23:20) and limited the Cowboys’ offense to just two drives in the second half.
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success → give → half
That’s a blueprint the Commanders would like to follow.
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Commanders → ’ → ?
“The biggest thing is controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball,” right guard Sam Cosmi said.
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Cosmi → control → ball
“For us, keeping Jayden upright, keeping our ball carriers upright, getting hats on hats, especially in the run game. ...
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keeping → keep → game
It’s going to be a good game plan.”
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It → go → ?
Like Philadelphia, Dallas has plenty of talent on the interior defensive line in Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark.
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Dallas → have → Williams
The Commanders believe facing Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis last week helped prepare them for whatever Williams and Clark throw at them on Sunday.
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Williams → believe → Sunday
“Guys like that, they are disruptive,” Croskey-Merritt said.
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Merritt → say → that
“It’s all about having a plan for guys like that.
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It → ’ → that
We just have to worry about ourselves, go out there and attack.”
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We → have → ourselves
Since training camp began, the Commanders have been intent on using Croskey-Merritt in the lead back role, with veteran Rachaad White handling pass-catching duties and rookie Kaytron Allen in short yardage as a change of pace.
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White → begin → pace
Croskey-Merritt added five to 10 pounds of muscle this offseason with the goal of bulking up to better withstand contact.
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Merritt → add → contact
“He’s a stronger person right now from the offseason program,” Quinn said.
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Quinn → ’ → program
“The zone game suits him because he’s got the cutback ability.
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he → suit → ability
The more reps he gets in, the more times he’s seeing the blocks, the O-line knowing where he is — those are things that just need time on task.
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that → get → task
I’m pleased with what we’ve seen so far.”
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we → ’m → what
After turnovers were an issue during his rookie year, he fumbled again late in the fourth quarter.
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he → fumble → quarter
Fortunately for Washington, right tackle Josh Conerly recovered the ball, but Croskey-Merritt was subbed out in favor of Allen, who handled the remaining snaps of the drive.
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who → recover → drive
“The ball security, that’s definitely the premium for us,” Quinn said.
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Quinn → ’ → us
“You’ve heard me talk about it a lot.”
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me → hear → it
Despite his fumbling issues, the Commanders remain confident in Croskey-Merritt.
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Commanders → remain → Merritt
He feels he has plenty to improve, too.
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he → feel → plenty
“I have to work on being better at my fundamentals — just staying on my feet and being the guy that I am,” he said.
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he → have → feet
“That’s something I got to work on and am definitely going to correct going forward.”
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I → ’ → ?
Commanders add offensive line depth
The Commanders signed interior offensive lineman Lucas Patrick, adding a proven veteran after converted guard Nick Allegretti struggled at center in the opener.
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Allegretti → add → opener
Patrick, 33, spent training camp with the Giants and lost out to younger option Bryan Hudson.
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Patrick → spend → Hudson
He played six games for Cincinnati last season, starting one.
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He → play → one
The Aporia
