3 noteworthy observations from Commanders preseason opener vs Panthers
By Jerry Trotta
2. Antonio Gibson Flops, Brian Robinson Shines
It’s unclear if the Commanders view Brian Robinson as the future of their backfield, but the third-round pick out of Alabama looked the part on Saturday after Antonio Gibson fumbled on his second carry of the game.
We don’t know if we’re more psyched about Robinson or gutted for Gibson, who worked hard this offseason to rectify his fumbling woes. Unfortunately, though, the third-year running back had a lapse in concentration and had the rock, which wasn’t close enough to his body, punched loose on his way to the ground.
Like so many of Gibson’s fumbles from last season, this one came in Washington’s territory. Gifted with a short field, Carolina ultimately made Gibson pay in the form of a 19-yard touchdown from Sam Darnold to wideout Rashard Higgins.
To make matters worse for Gibson, he was benched for Robinson on the Commanders’ ensuing drive and the rookie looked … impressive. Regarded as a bruising, downhill back coming out of Alabama, Robinson displayed excellent patience and quick feet between the tackles and picked up multiple first downs.
It was almost fitting the rookie back capped the drive with a short touchdown; the first of his career and first in Commanders history.
Gibson better get his act together for the rest of camp and the preseason, because Robinson’s stock is on the rise after Saturday.