Redskins: 5 matchups to watch in Week 16 clash with the Broncos

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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 17: Running Back Kapri Bibbs #39 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after rushing for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

5. Kapri Bibbs vs. His former team

In just his second game with Washington, Kapri Bibbs is primed to be a central storyline. On Sunday, the Redskins are taking on the Broncos, Bibbs’ former team. Though Bibbs went undrafted in 2014, the Broncos were the team that elected to scoop him up and they had him on the active roster in both 2015 and 2016. The latter year was when he had a bigger impact.

For the Broncos in 2016, Bibbs emerged as a potential playmaker. On 29 carries, he ran for 129 yards. But it was his two catches that inspired hope in many. Bibbs caught the two passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. The score was a 69-yard screen pass that saw him weave through the defense and into the end zone. It was an impressive play and at the time, many thought that Bibbs could find a spot in the Denver rotation.

Alas, it was not meant to be. Bibbs was included in a draft day trade with the San Francisco 49ers that saw the Broncos acquire a 2018 fourth round pick. Bibbs spent the offseason in San Fran before being waived at the start of the season. Then, Washington added him to the practice squad and now he’s on the active roster.

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In his one game with the Redskins, Bibbs was impactful in the Chris Thompson receiving back role. Bibbs caught four passes for 47 yards and had a 36-yard screen pass touchdown that was eerily reminiscent of the screen pass touchdown he had in Denver. It looks like Bibbs could be an effective third down back, so it’s fair to wonder why he was out of work for so long.

The Redskins will probably look to utilize Bibbs a fair amount against Denver. Samaje Perine tweaked his groin in Thursday’s practice, so it’s possible that he may not be 100 percent going into the contest. That will mean more carries for Bibbs and he could be motivated to show the Broncos just what they’re missing out on. The Broncos linebackers will have to be ready to move laterally, as Bibbs will do everything he can to elude them in open space.

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