Redskins receiver Antonio Gibson’s value goes beyond numbers

Beyond the Numbers

Well, as a numbers guy, I’m also very structured. I like things orderly. I struggle off-script, you could say, kind of like a former QB of the Redskins who plays in Minnesota now (sorry Kirk).

I like a chain of command. I like depth charts. When I see a roster sheet, I like guys who fit a profile.  This is my QB, my WR’s, TE’s, RB’s, et cetera.

So where does Antonio Gibson fit in? He was announced by the commissioner as a running back.  But I heard analysts and reporters saying he was a WR. I’m very old school, I like to write things down on paper and he needed a position. I started writing down the Redskins’ current depth chart, and the RB room seemed very crowded. The WR depth chart, while not as deep, still left me wondering how he’d fit in.

Then it struck me: It’s time to retrain my brain. I thought to myself, “what teams appear to be the hardest to game plan against?” For me, it’s teams that always have you on the edge of your seat, nervous and fearful because you never quite know what’s coming. These teams are able to create mismatches; the Chiefs and Patriots are masters of it. It’s unconventional and they often have unconventional players. I started thinking about how Gibson can be this type of player for the Redskins. His role won’t be defined. That’s a scary proposition for opposing defenses when he has the speed and explosiveness that he does, nearly impossible to game plan against.

So on my paper, the one where I wrote down each player by position, I created a new position, “playmaker”.

QB:  Haskins

WR1:  McClaurin

PM:  Gibson

I decided to get beyond the numbers now. It was time to read about Antonio Gibson and what type of intangibles this guy had.

As I googled his name, the first article that appeared was from USA Today and it was an article written the day before the draft. I reiterate, this was an article written by Justin Melo of the USA Today, a National Publication the day before the draft. The title read “Meet Antonio Gibson, the most versatile weapon in the 2020 NFL Draft”.  In the article, Gibson was asked where he thought he fit in the NFL. He said he sees himself as a playmaker and said he’ll take on any role asked of him. He would be excited to be a “gunner” on special teams and return kicks; he’ll take on any role asked of him.

As I was reading articles on Gibson, I was listening to the Redskins Talk podcast with JP Finlay, Pete Hailey, and Mitch Tischler. They had the current Florida State and former Memphis coach Mike Norvell on the show. While it’s certainly commonplace for a coach to talk highly about a former player, coach Norvell’s praise of Gibson was different.

Norvell called Gibson one of the toughest football players he’s ever coached, and said his possibilities on the field are endless. What made him special was his preparation for games. His versatility created mismatches and made it easy to call in-game adjustments. He said Gibson is a can’t-miss prospect and a home-run draft pick. The impact he makes away from the ball is what makes him special. He’s a very physical player who will block and do the dirty work. He’s fearless in the return game, people bounce off him. The size, speed and toughness make him a special player.

Coach Norvell said Antonio is a worker who is selfless and he’s never been more proud of a player. When talking about Gibson as a person, he explained that “he’s got a servants heart. He’s all about impacting others, he’s special young man and has a humble spirit, just an incredible person.”

So as I listened to the interview, one thing kept popping in my mind. This guy sounds just like Terry McLaurin. I mean, they are incredibly similar. Products of great families, humble and hard working, tough and physical, size and speed, special team aces, and both third-round picks.

As I thought more about their similarities, one thing kept sticking out. It’s the mentality these types of guys have who “worked” their way to where they’re at. Guys that played special teams, not just returners, but gunners as well. There’s a different kind of toughness it takes to play special teams.

So what have I learned through this process? Numbers matter, and you can’t teach size and speed, Gibson certainly has both. But his intangibles are what will separate him. His toughness, his humble spirit, his work ethic — these traits among players create a culture in the locker room.

I’m seeing a clear vision for the Redskins for the first time in the Snyder era.  The Redskins aren’t creating a roster of Fantasy Football players, I see a roster being constructed to win Super Bowls.  The only stat that should matter to Redskins fans is the win column that hasn’t surpassed 10 victories since 1991,  the longest such drought in the NFL. With players like Gibson, expect that to change very soon.