The hype surrounding Jacory Croskey-Merritt continues to build by the week.
Croskey-Merritt, who led the Washington Commanders with 150 total yards and two touchdowns in their 27-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, has been named the FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week. It's the second award Croskey-Merritt has received for his performance, as he was also named Tom Brady's "LFG Player of the Game" after the Week 5 victory.
"I think it's the change of direction," head coach Dan Quinn said Monday. "He's got very good vision inside, but he can really put his foot in the ground and break tackles. There's an element of vision and cuts. I can remember even all the way back through training camp there ... And I thought he excels really on the inside plays where now he can see things quickly, make a violent cut and then get north-south."
Croskey-Merritt was one of the main catalysts for the Commanders on Sunday, recording 111 yards on 14 carries to go with 39 receiving yards on two catches. He is the first Washington rookie to record multiple rushing touchdowns in a single game since Jayden Daniels in Week 1 of the 2024 season and the first rookie running back to do so since Chris Rodriguez Jr. recorded two rushing touchdowns in Week 16 of the 2023 season. He is the only rookie offensive player this season to rush for two touchdowns in a single game this season and joins Darrell Young (3 in 2013), John Riggins (2 in 1983) and George Rogers (2 in 1986) as the only Washington players to ever record multiple rushing touchdowns in a single game against the Chargers.
"I'm so thankful for this organization for believing in me, for trusting me, and I'm so thankful and just excited to be here," Croskey-Merritt told Brady, holding up the silver football-shaped LFG Player of the Game award after the game.
Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick this offseason, has propelled himself among the best running backs in the NFL over the last five games. He's first in yards per carry (6.6) among running backs with at least 40 carries and tied for the third most rushing touchdowns in the league. He leads all running backs in rushing yards over expected, according to NextGenStats, and has the best running grade from Pro Football Focus.
"Bill [Croskey-Merritt] is exciting being a young guy," offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said last week. "I think the sky's the limit for him as he continues to improve without the football."
In honor of Croskey-Merritt winning the award, FedEx is making a $2,000 donation to DC's local food bank, Capital Area Food Bank, which is a part of Feeding America's network.
