Washington Football Team Depth Chart: Breaking down the RB room for 2021
Between-the-tackles backup: Peyton Barber
This is where things start to get a bit more interesting. Many assumed that Washington would try to use a Day 3 pick on a running back to add depth behind Gibson and McKissic.
They didn’t. So, that likely means that Peyton Barber will once again be the top between-the-tackles backup for Washington behind Gibson since McKissic can’t handle more than a handful of carries per game.
Barber wasn’t particularly impressive for Washington last year. He averaged 2.7 yards per carry, and that marked the fifth consecutive year during which his mark in that category fell.
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That said, Barber still has a role to play in the backfield. He a great short-yardage and goal-line specialist, and that’s part of the reason that he was able to rack up four touchdowns on just 94 carries last year.
And Barber did, at times, show that he had some juice left in his legs. That included an 11-carry, 57-yard performance against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Granted, Dallas had an awful run defense in 2020, but it still showed that if needed, Barber could provide a little something.
Barber would, frankly, be better suited as a fourth-string running back that could play on special teams and serve as a goal-line hammer. As a backup, he’s not awe-inspiring, as he’s simply not a dynamic runner. He’s mostly a physical, strength-based player.
If Barber is the plan B to Gibson between the tackles, Washington better hope that the second-year pro can stay healthy. Because if Barber has to start for the team, that could render them, largely, one dimensional.