Washington Football Team: Five players to watch in Week 15

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Jeremy Reaves #39 of the Washington Football Team prays before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FedExField on November 22, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Jeremy Reaves #39 of the Washington Football Team prays before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FedExField on November 22, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team running back J.D. McKissic (41) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Avery Williamson (51) chases during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Washington won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Football Team running back J.D. McKissic (41) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Avery Williamson (51) chases during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Washington won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 – RB J.D. McKissic

Who says running backs don’t matter?

While it’s true that running backs are growing increasingly replaceable and secondary to team success these days — just ask the Giants — effective utilization of a running back can help improve an offense’s efficiency.

Antonio Gibson has been one of the Washington Football Team’s best offensive weapons in 2020, and ditto that for J.D. McKissic. McKissic’s versatility has been a godsend, but his quick twitch and ability to churn out yards as a runner has proven even more important. McKissic is a chain-mover, and Gibson is a playmaker, and together, they constitute a fearsome duo for team’s to prepare against.

Gibson missed the 49ers game with a foot injury, and is doubtful for the team’s Week 15 contest against the Seahawks. Thus, McKissic will again get the brunt of the workload. And for an offense that continually struggles to find consistency, McKissic’s steadiness as an offensive weapon will likely continue to be an asset.