Washington Football Team must utilize Antonio Gibson better
By Tim Meek
How to better utilize Gibson
In my humble opinion, the Washington Football Team and staff are doing exactly what I was guilty of when they drafted Gibson. They’re trying to force him into a defined role.
Apparently, despite the conversation all summer about utilizing Gibson as a playmaker, they’ve decided to make him a running back. Not only are they forcing him into the role as running back, they’re not even allowing him to be the dynamic player he potentially could be with that role by seemingly making him one-dimensional as a run-heavy player on first and second downs.
Gibson has certainly shown flashes of his playmaking ability and his overall rushing numbers are respectable at 4.3 yards per carry with five TDs. But he’s also looked uncomfortable running the ball. He lacks vision and the patience to wait for holes to develop upfront.
More from Commanders News
- What will Emmanuel Forbes bring to the Washington Commanders?
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
Gibson is simply raw and it’s clear to even the untrained eye that he doesn’t have the innate instincts of running back. Look no further than the difference in running styles between Gibson and JD McKissic when he enters the game.
Can Gibson continue to grow and progress as a runner? Of course he can. But he’s admitted that he’s never played the position, even as a high school player. In college, he had 33 rushing attempts total during his 2 seasons at Memphis.
I think it’s evident that Gibson’s greatest asset is his playmaking ability in open space. As a fan, I’d like to see the team scheme up ways for Gibson to get the ball. Although he’s caught a respectable 22 balls out of the backfield, those catches are not resulting in chunk plays. In 5-of-8 games this season, his average yards per catch is four yards or less.
Clearly, no one should’ve expected the video game type numbers he put up in college. But this guy is simply too explosive to be used in his current role.
Turner and company need to find a way to get Gibson the ball in space. If they don’t, then they are taking away his greatest asset to this team. He simply becomes a guy. Antonio Gibson is NOT just a guy.
One thing I’ve learned by watching this game over the years. The top coaches put players in the best position to succeed. I just haven’t seen this with Gibson through eight games.