With the Washington Commanders trailing late within the fourth quarter of their Week 1 sport towards the Jacksonville Jaguars, quarterback Carson Wentz uncorked a game-winning landing move to rookie huge receiver Jahan Dotson. What might have gone unnoticed on the play was an important blitz pickup by working again J.D. McKissic, which gave Wentz an additional second to set his toes and fireplace the scoring strike.
Washington
J.D. McKissic’s mastery of his role brings value to Commanders backfield
The second, whereas delicate, was a first-rate instance of McKissic’s consolation in his position with the Commanders.
“He’s an superior man, not simply on the sector however within the locker room as properly. Most likely one of the vital appreciated guys on the crew,” Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke stated of McKissic. “Generally I’ll begin saying the play and he’ll attempt to end the play earlier than I can end it. He is aware of this offense. If he might throw the ball, he’d most likely play quarterback.”
For the reason that begin of the 2020 season, seven totally different quarterbacks have began a sport for the Washington franchise. Throughout this stretch, one of many lone constants has been McKissic, who signed with the crew that 12 months and has since been one of the vital utilized pass-catching backs within the NFL.
McKissic performed in all 16 video games in his first season in Washington, racking up 110 targets, 80 receptions, 589 yards and two touchdowns. Solely Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints had extra catches amongst working backs that season, and McKissic’s 110 targets stay probably the most for a working again since Christian McCaffrey was focused 116 instances for the Carolina Panthers in 2019.
McKissic has prided himself on his receiving skill ever since he began enjoying the place in highschool.
“Operating again is second nature. Simply attempt to run between the tackles, simply make guys miss. There’s much more to it, however it was simple for me to change into a runner,” McKissic stated of his versatility. “Simply being a receiver, realizing that I can catch the soccer, realizing that I can run routes. When you [go] from working comebacks, working posts, working 18-yard deep ins they usually say ‘properly now run an arrow, run a flat, examine downs.’ That’s simple cash.”
Accidents held McKissic to 11 video games final season, however he was nonetheless focused 53 instances and managed 43 receptions and a career-best 9.2 yards per catch together with a pair of touchdowns. To date this season, he’s been focused 33 instances via the Commanders’ first six video games and is second on the crew in receptions with 24.
“I’ve been a receiver so I’m robotically their routes. I’m trying like okay, I might do that so now I’m studying the entire idea,” McKissic stated. “I’m listening when the offensive coordinator calls out the play, I’m listening to it within the quarterback’s helmet and I’m calling it out in my head on the identical time. Simply attempting to do the whole lot I can to get on the sector.”
McKissic’s grasp of the offense, paired along with his versatility, helps to create extra alternatives for his teammates. Due to his receiving skill out of the backfield, opposing defenses have to organize for quite a lot of seems to be and pay attention to his presence. McKissic usually makes use of his understanding of route mixtures and coverages to create leverage for the Commanders’ different move catchers.
“Having J.D. is de facto large for our offense. I feel his skill to run routes outdoors of the backfield is de facto large and I feel it offers numerous comfortability for quarterbacks,” star wideout Terry McLaurin stated. “I feel that’s powerful to essentially sport plan for.”
Off the sector, McKissic’s veteran poise is felt all through the locker room. His teammates spotlight his skill to loosen up a room with jokes and contagious vitality, particularly amongst his fellow working backs. For second-year again Jaret Patterson, McKissic’s management goes past his lighthearted nature. Patterson observes the work McKissic places in, his preparation for video games, his lengthy hours on the facility and the way in which takes care of his physique.
“He’s a key a part of not simply the offense however the entire crew. He’s a professional,” stated Patterson. “I’m a younger man within the group that type of leans on him. He’s a vet in our room.”
Whereas his vitality is clear, Commanders Coach Ron Rivera desires him to evolve right into a extra vocal chief. McKissic understands that accountability and tries to seek out steadiness.
“So far as speaking in entrance of the crew, I have never discovered these abilities but,” stated McKissic. “I feel vitality is essential. How I carry myself when issues aren’t going my approach, and the way I can nonetheless have enjoyable via the storm. So far as being in being within the locker room and making guys snicker and people kinds of issues, that is how I lead.”
With the trio of McKissic, Brian Robinson, and Antonio Gibson, working again has developed right into a energy for the Commanders. McKissic’s stability and consistency play a task in that, particularly amongst a younger working place group.
“For these younger guys, he’s the proper instance of exhausting work ethic. Doing the little issues and understanding how you slot in, what your position is,” Rivera stated. “He’s a man that retains the whole lot lighthearted. He’s a superb match for what we would like, what we’re attempting to do, and I actually recognize who he’s for us.”