Antonio Gibson, Chase Young helping Carson Wentz feel at home with Commanders
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders have finally settled in to free agency.
After sitting out most of the first wave, the team has managed to re-sign Bobby McCain, steal JD McKissic out from under Buffalo’s nose and sign Andrew Norwell to replace Ereck Flowers after the left guard was released on Wednesday.
The McKissic news is obviously the big takeaway. Had the Commanders lost the versatile running back to the Bills’, starter Antonio Gibson likely would’ve been forced into a bigger workload as both a runner and pass-catcher.
For someone who needs to focus on rectifying his fumbling woes, Gibson figures to benefit hugely McKissic’s return.
Another reason to be bullish on Gibson’s future? The acquisition of Carson Wentz, whose ability to push the ball beyond the numbers will likely see Gibson face less stacked boxes, which contributed to his 4.0 yards per carry in 2021.
Well, after the trade became official on Wednesday, Gibson welcomed his new quarterback to Washington on Instagram.
Antonio Gibson ready to get to work with the new QB1#WashingtonFootball pic.twitter.com/mysUKOFTug
— Jordan (@wshingtontoday) March 16, 2022
Commanders stars Antonio Gibson and Chase Young have already reached out to Carson Wentz.
That’s what we like to see! Between Chase Young giving Wentz a quick shoutout on Instagram after the trade was first reported and Gibson sharing his excitement to work with his new quarterback, the Commanders’ young core is doing everything possible to make sure the new QB1 feels right at home in Washington.
Speaking of Young, Wentz revealed during his introductory press conference on Thursday that the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year reached out to him “right away” after the trade. And no, he wasn’t talking about Young’s IG post.
"“Chase [Young] reached out right away,” Wentz told the media. “I remember being chased around by him his rookie year and telling him how much of a problem he was for me, and now he’s on my side. Guys have been super receptive and I look forward to getting to know them and building those relationships.”"
It sure sounds like Wentz is pumped to have Young on his team as opposed to hunting him as a pass-rusher, and for good reason. If you remember, Young’s NFL debut came against the Eagles, and he finished the game with 1.5 sacks — one of the eight times Wentz was sacked — and a forced fumble in the win.
Wentz said DE Chase Young reached out to him right away. Said he remembered having to run away from Young when he was a rookie
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 17, 2022
Gibson, Young and other Commanders players reaching out to Young is just a testament to the culture Ron Rivera has enforced. It’s one thing to build a talented roster. It’s something entirely different to build a roster that’s full of talented and selfless players whom prioritize the betterment of the team.
As two of Rivera’s first draft picks after he was hired by Washington in 2020, Gibson and Young have clearly bought into the head coach’s message. Nothing proves that more than how receptive they’ve been towards Wentz.
