Will Brian Robinson’s emergence unlock best version of Antonio Gibson?

The Washington Commanders drafted Brian Robinson with the intention of having him assume a short-yardage and goal-line role.

Only in the best-case scenario did fans envision the third-round rookie supplanting Antonio Gibson atop the depth chart. Most presumed it could happen down the road in the regular season if Gibson’s fumbling woes returned. The fact that transition is already taking shape before Week 1, though, is pretty shocking.

Through two preseason games, it’s become clear Robinson is the best ball-carrier on Washington’s roster. That isn’t a knock on Gibson, but Robinson’s vision and penchant for churning out positive gains in the trenches is a breath of fresh air relative to Gibson’s suspect vision and side-to-side running style, as Ron Rivera put it.

Just because Robinson is poised to start Week 1 and fans are all aboard the rookie’s bandwagon doesn’t mean Gibson won’t be involved, however.

In fact, one highlight from Saturday’s loss underlined where Gibson is most comfortable and at his best: in space.

Why Brian Robinson becoming the Commanders lead back could benefit Antonio Gibson.

Anyone else mistake Gibson for JD McKissic on that play? Whereas Gibson usually second-guesses himself between the tackles, the third-year running backs operates so smooth — akin to a slot receiver — after the catch.

Gibson makes a mockery of the first Chiefs defender before delivering a filthy jump cut that helped him manufacture an extra five yards. The second-guessing he does in the trenches oftentimes costs him potential big gains. The NFL is a game of inches and holes created by the offensive line are only open for a split second.

While Gibson’s production since he entered the league is undeniable, there are countless examples that prove his vision leaves a lot to be desired.

Look no further than Week 1 against the Panthers when he blew a potential long touchdown because he bounced a carry outside instead of pressing the line of scrimmage and exploiting a GAPING cutback hole.

Last season was a career year for Gibson as a runner, but his best highlight came on a designed screen against the Bills that he took 73 yards to the house. Again, Gibson’s comfortability making defenders miss in space was on display.

See what we’re saying? Gibson struggles creating real estate for himself out of the backfield. That’s fine. Robinson can do that in spades.

When Gibson hits the second level, though, he’s almost impossible to bring down, which emphasizes the importance of Rivera and Scott Turner figuring out a way to get him in open space as much as possible. That’s not to say Gibson should be abandoned as a runner, but the Commanders’ offense can be that much more explosive if the coaching staff finds a way to accentuate his skillet.

The talent is undeniable. It’s just a matter of figuring out the best way to use it. As these highlights indicate, that’s in open space.