Washington Football Team must utilize Antonio Gibson better

Gibson can be a returner, too

Another way the Washington Football Team could get Gibson more touches in space would be as a kick returner.

The USA Today had a pre-draft scouting report on Gibson that headlined “The Most Versatile Player in the Draft“.  In this article, they outlined the opportunity he provides not only as a wide receiver and running back, but also as a kick returner.

I know, pundits will say teams are reluctant to play key starters on special teams.  But teams do it.  And considering how woeful the Washington Football Team is with returning kicks, this would not only provide a boost to special teams, but more importantly, it gives Gibson a few more touches in open space.  Again, space is where Gibson creates big plays.

None of us know exactly what happens behind closed doors, but there were many practices open to the media in the summer, and there were no reports of Gibson taking snaps as a returner.

This is dumbfounding to me.  Washington clearly was going to struggle scoring points this year.  Special teams is a way to flip fields and create scoring opportunities for the offense.  Kick returning for Washington has been dismal for years.  This year they rank DEAD LAST in kickoff returns and third from the bottom on punt returns.

They drafted a player with experience as a kick returner.  Rather than forcing him into a role in which he lacks experience as running back, maybe they take away a few offensive snaps and allow this guy to return kicks/punts.  They certainly can’t be worse.  And I reiterate, this guy needs an opportunity in space.  Create ways to get your playmakers the ball, this is a way to do that.