Washington Reality Checks: Tampa Bay revenge game edition

4. The Reality Is, Antonio Gibson has had a disappointing year.

Gibson has looked sluggish and tentative all year. He’s struggled with a couple different injuries as well as his ball security. He’s even seemed to falter in his confidence at points. The talent and physical gifting is immense, but it’s extremely important that he has a stronger second half to this season, or RB is going to end up being a major need for this team in the offseason.

I’d like to see Gibson run with more power and burst, not hesitating and going down quite so easily. I’d like to see him take on tacklers and work to maintain balance after contact a bit more. If his shin is keeping him from those things, I’d like to see him go on IR to get fully healed, as the lack of production seems to be messing with his confidence. The reality is, Gibson could still develop into one of the best backs in the game OR he could end up being just another running back who doesn’t earn a significant second contract despite flashes of promise.