3 things that will keep Washington fans thankful during holiday season

1. Antonio Gibson cures fumbling woes

Antonio Gibson’s fumbling issues will be the only thing that prevents him from becoming Washington’s running back of the future.

Despite being a wide receiver at Memphis, Gibson possesses all the traits you could want in a franchise RB. His power and ability to pick up yards after contact are among the best in the league, which is impressive given how much he struggled in the latter department early on as a rookie.

Gibson’s speed for a back of his stature (6-foot-2 and 220 pounds) is right up there with the likes of Derrick Henry, Najee Harris, and Joe Mixon. His vision in the backfield in regard to reading holes and predicting defenders’ next move is a pleasure to watch.

If you’ve been waiting for the “but,” here it comes. BUT, none of that matters if you can’t protect the football, and right now Gibson has more fumbles (five, three lost) than any running back in the league through 10 games.

Gibson’s first two fumbles of the year both came in losses, and all three have swung momentum in the opponent’s favor. In Week 1, Gibson was stripped on Washington’s four-yard line. A few ticks later, the Chargers scored what proved to be the deciding TD. In Week 6, he coughed up the rock on his own 34.

And on Sunday, Gibson fumbled deep inside Carolina territory as Washington was knocking on the door to tie the game at 7-7.

There have been plenty of talented running backs whose careers (at least as starters) have been cut short due to a poor fumbling habit. Tiki Barber and Adrian Peterson are living proof that it’s a fixable dilemma.

If Gibson is able to overcome this stumbling block, Washington fans will have plenty to be thankful for during the holiday season.