Commanders fans already calling for Brian Robinson after Antonio Gibson fumble

Washington Commanders fans could hardly contain their excitement for Saturday’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers.

Unfortunately, Ron Rivera’s side came out extremely flat. The defense’s third-down woes reared their ugly head and Carson Wentz couldn’t locate any receivers down field, as Armani Rogers made multiple underneath catches.

The Commanders went pass-heavy to start the game, which was expected. Get Wentz into a groove early then factor in the running game.

On the offense’s second drive, they did just that. The only problem? Antonio Gibson took an inside handoff and proceeded to fumble on his way to the ground.

After leading all running backs with six fumbles (four lost) last season, Gibson was shockingly careless with the football, which wasn’t tucked in close to his body as he was swarmed by punch-hungry Panthers defenders.

The sound you hear is rookie Brian Robinson’s stock rising.

Antonio Gibson fumbled against the Panthers and Commanders fans immediately called for rookie Brian Robinson.

This is the absolute last thing Commanders fans wanted to see. Luckily it’s only the preseason, but Gibson was already facing pressure to perform (and take care of the football) after Washington drafted Robinson in the third round this year and this turnover only increases the likelihood of Robinson eating into his workload.

Wouldn’t you know it, Robinson’s first carry of the game moved the chains and he’s looked impressive ever since taking over the backfield. The Alabama product was the focal point of the Commanders’ third drive and he fittingly capped it off with a short touchdown for Washington’s first score of the preseason.

Sure, it came against Carolina’s second-team defense, but Robinson racked up 26 yards on six carries (4.3 average) and two catches for 15 yards on that drive alone. Gibson, meanwhile, is stuck at negative two yards on two carries.

This truly could not have gone worse for Gibson. One fumble doesn’t mean he’s lost the starting job, but Robinson is undoubtedly knocking down his door.