NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
Around this time last season, I wrote about Terry McLaurin becoming the new #1 wide receiver for Washington. Fast forward one year, and they look to have a new #1 running back. On Sunday, Antonio Gibson carried the ball 13 times for 46 yards and 1 TD. He also hauled in 4 of 5 targets for 82 yards.
Many people, including myself, were puzzled with Gibson’s selection in the third round. At the time, Washington had Derrius Guice, Adrain Peterson, and Bryce Love, J.D. McKissic, and Peyton Barber. It didn’t make sense to add yet another running back to the team. Little did we know, within four weeks, Gibson would establish himself as the go-to back.
Kyle Smith seems to have a knack for drafting players in the third round. Most who are drafted then look to participate heavily on special teams while only getting minimum work on offense or defense. However, Washington has hit a home run for two consecutive years. In 2019, McLaurin was taken with the 76th overall pick, and Gibson was selected with the 66th overall pick in 2020.
In his final year at Memphis, Gibson managed to average 11.2 yds/carry and 19.3 yds/reception. He was their swiss-army knife as he was used all over the field. He lined up as a receiver 534 times, while only lining up in the backfield 74 times.
While he listed as a running back, I would like to seem him be utilized more at wide receiver like he was in Memphis last season. I am a firm believer in running back being the most replaceable position in the league. Gibson only lined up out wide on three snaps Sunday. He managed a 95.1 receiving grade in week 4, so it would be wise to get him lined up out wide or in the slot much more.
If Gibson is used more as a receiver, it will benefit Haskins a great deal. As of now, Terry McLaurin is the only weapon the offense can rely on at wide receiver. I am not saying Washington should permanently move Gibson to wide receiver, but lining him up as one around 15 times a game would greatly benefit the passing game.
In just four games, Antonio Gibson has solidified himself as Washington’s second-best weapon on offense. I expect him to grow even more as the season goes on. Simply getting the ball in his hands will help this struggling offense significantly, and I cannot wait to see what else he can do in 2020.
