The Commanders are seeing something new from Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and Dan Quinn thinks it could open up more of the playbook.
Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick in 2025, is entering the second year of his career with Washington, and Quinn said the running back is showing signs of real growth. “I do feel like there’s like this elevation that’s taking place with him,” Quinn said, via Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. “He’s always been hungry for it.”
That development matters because Quinn believes Croskey-Merritt can give the offense a different kind of run game. The coach pointed to stretch and cutback concepts as part of what the back can help unlock.
“From a play design, a little bit different with some stretch cutback-type of plays,” Quinn said. “So, seeing him do that, his explosiveness to go and do that, that’s a big deal.”
Washington is also still sorting out how its backfield will look. Quinn said he wants to see what Kaytron Allen and Jerome Ford can bring to the mix as well.
“Yeah, I think it’s probably some main guys in certain parts where it’s not maybe one person the entire time,” Quinn said. “But I do like the competition in the group.
… To see Bill, to see the guys get back into the mix, to see the two young running backs, what they can add. I don’t know yet, but I think we’ll for sure be more than just one.”
In Dallas, Nate Thomas is fighting for the left tackle job, and he’s treating this offseason like a fresh start. The Cowboys lineman said this is his first real chance to train and improve after dealing with injury and limited experience last year.
“For me, it really comes down to technique and the habits that you build,” Thomas said, via the team website. “Last year, it was my first year playing - coming off of injury from the year before.
This has really been my first real offseason to train and get better, so that’s what I did. I took what I did last year - the good, the bad, the things I need to work on - and went to Duke [Manyweather], the dude I train with, and I said, ‘Hey, help me fix some of these things that I’m having trouble with.
That’s what I did.”
Thomas said he’s been trying to absorb as much as he can from the Cowboys’ coaching staff and others around the building, including Klayton Adams, Conor Riley, Tyron Smith and Brandon “BT” Johnson.
“I focused on the things I was having trouble with, and it’s awesome that I get to come here and work with the guys, and get to see like, ‘OK, what are some of the things that you’re doing on defense that’s making you move a certain way. What am I doing on offense that’s making you do certain things?'”
Thomas added. “Learning certain nuggets like that, not just from Duke, but also [offensive coordinator] Klayton Adams and [offensive line coach] Conor Riley.
We’ve got Tyron Smith now. Even [pass rush consultant Brandon “BT” Johnson], I’ve talked to him a couple times to just try to get a feel for what it is I can do better as far as playing the left tackle position.”
In Philadelphia, the focus on Jalen Carter is less about raw talent and more about tightening the details. Eagles defensive line coach Clint Hurtt said the team wants Carter to sharpen his consistency and handle the small things the right way so he can give them even more.
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Even with that continuity, not everyone is buying the units upside just yet. Scott DiBenedetto of Fantasy Points slotted Washingtons line 23rd in his 2026 rankings, pointing to last seasons regression after Jayden Daniels injury and raising questions about whether Cosmi will return to form and whether Paul can hold up in the run game. For a team that wants the line to be a strength, the skepticism is a reminder that reputation and reality are not always the same thing. [Read more 🡒]