Running back Jeremy McNichols was named a Week 4 game captain alongside guard Nick Allegretti and safety Quan Martin ahead of the Washington Commanders' 42-14 rout of the Arizona Cardinals.
As a career back-up filling in for an injured Austin Ekeler, the decision to include the eight-year veteran in the captains' group might seem a bit peculiar, especially when looking at McNichols' stats. Through the first three weeks of the NFL season, McNichols had just one target for one yard.
It's almost as if head coach Dan Quinn was foreshadowing a breakout night for McNichols in naming him a captain, as the 28-year-old earned the role after his tremendous play in the desert on Sunday.
McNichols' big night started in the second quarter as he lined up in the backfield next to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who handed the ball off to the back. McNichols used his speed to skirt down the left sideline, breaking two tackles with a stiff arm before tumbling into the end zone for a 27-yard rushing touchdown.
The score marked the longest dash of McNichols' career and his first rushing touchdown since Week 13 of the 2020 season, when he was a member of the Tennessee Titans.
"He's a very hard worker, a hard runner, downhill guy," Daniels said of McNichols in his postgame press conference. "It's just awesome to see people be able to go out there and make the most of their opportunities."
McNichols' clutch runs didn't end there. In the third quarter, McNichols converted a fourth down with a 15-yard rush for Washington. The play helped set the team up for another touchdown and ultimately sealed the Commanders' victory.
"It means everything," McNichols said after the team's win. "We all put in this work. Honestly, the hours and just to have the opportunity to go out there and help my team win, that's all I can do when the opportunity comes."
Making the most of his opportunity, McNichols finished the game with eight carries for 68 yards and two touchdowns against the Cardinals' defense. Quinn acknowledged his game captain's ability to wear many hats and applauded McNichols for stepping up into the role of a No. 2 back.
"I thought Jeremy McNichols was another one at the running back spot," Quinn said in his postgame press conference. "Whatever role he has -- the dirty work, the blitz pickup -- he's always down for it and I thought I saw that again tonight."
Following the game, McNichols credited his teammates with helping him have such a strong performance on Sunday afternoon.
"It was a team deal," McNichols said. "The offensive line was blocking their butts off. The tight ends (and) receivers out there made my job easier. I'm just out there to help my team win."
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