Commanders Star Expresses A Will To Play At A New Position This Season

Numerous players will experience change with the Washington Commanders following Eric Bieniemy’s appointment as offensive coordinator, but probably none more so than running back Antonio Gibson.

Commanders Star Expresses A Will To Play At A New Position This Season

Gibson had played wide receiver and running back for Memphis in his final year.

Because of this, it was difficult to predict his potential at either position when he was selected, but his dual-threat appealed to the Washington Commanders sufficiently that they selected him in round three.

Brian Robinson, a second-year behemoth, is expected to start, so Gibson projects as Bieniemy’s third-down change-of-pace back. Gibson’s other opportunity to see the field could be to line up further wide to make use of his receiving abilities.

Gibson was questioned about his future role and if he’d have a bigger impact on the passing game in 2023 by former Washington defensive back Fred Smoot in a previously recorded interview with the team’s official website that was just made public.

“Just lining up out wide, like you said,” Gibson said. “I haven’t shown my position. I feel the same way. Every year we talk about it, but it hasn’t happened.”

“Hopefully, this year, it comes around to where I get to showcase on multiple occasions what I can do out there,” he said. “First, I love being out there. I have fun out there, and once I get the ball in open space, I’m really that guy. At running back, I’m not going to say it’s not (possible), because I’ve seen a lot of guys do it, but those opportunities are not there. Once you catch the ball in that open field, you got so much more space.”

Although he has mostly been employed as a running back, he has had several opportunities to demonstrate his skill as a receiver. Gibson has made 124 receptions for 894 yards in his three NFL seasons. In two of those three seasons, he averaged more than 7.5 yards after the catch per reception.

If the Commanders opt to give Brian Robinson Jr. more opportunities to carry the ball in his second season, Gibson’s ability to line up at receiver would help him maintain his status as a key component of the offense.

As more and more running backs come to the realization that switching to receiver full-time would not only improve their performance but also allow them to negotiate a higher deal, Gibson’s move might be a harbinger of things to come.

It’s important to keep an eye on Gibson and maybe other running backs who might be using the same tactic.

 

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