Commanders 2026 Offense: David Blough's Run Game Explained

The Commanders are tearing down the Air Raid. David Blough is moving Jayden Daniels under center and rebuilding the 2026 offense around a zone-based, play-action run game — and three very different running backs. In this breakdown we get into the biggest schematic change of Washington's offseason: the shift away from Kliff Kingsbury's shotgun, RPO, Air Raid-influenced attack toward David Blough's under-center, zone-running, play-action identity — and why that one move changes everything for Jayden Daniels. Then we break down the run game itself, and how all three backs fit: 🏈 Bill Croskey-Merritt — the early-down engine on outside zone 🏈 Rachaad White — the passing-down weapon out of play-action 🏈 Kaytron Allen — the short-yardage power back who finishes drives We also lay out the real trade-offs: what zone running, under center, and play-action give you versus the RPO run game and Air Raid passing concepts Washington is leaving behind — and whether it's the right bet for Daniels. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 — Intro 9:25 — Why The Run Game Comes First 15:35 — RPO Run Game: Pros & Cons 26:57 —David Blough Run Game Concepts 30:40 — Outside Zone (Bill Croskey-Merritt) + the schematic 42:09 — Play action- wheel (Rachaad White) + the schematic 53:30 — Power / gap scheme (Kaytron Allen) + the schematic 1:03:35 — Zone & play-action vs. RPO & Air Raid: the trade-offs 1:14:38 — The Takeaway/Outro 👇 Which back are you most excited about in this offense — Croskey-Merritt, White, or Allen? Drop it in the comments. 🔔 Subscribe for Commanders film breakdowns every week. Real Analysis. No Filter. #Commanders #JaydenDaniels #DavidBlough #WashingtonCommanders #NFL #CommandersFilm #RunGame #PlayAction #NFLFilmStudy #Commanders2026