Antonio Gibson’s successful opening week begs the question of whether to enjoy the ride or look to move him while his stock is spiked.
Closing out 2021, Antonio Gibson ran over the New York Giants for 146 rushing yards and a score at a healthy 6.95 yards-per-carry and appeared to figure it out.
Having been a receiver in college, it looked like patience was paying off for a guy who had finished only his second full season playing the running back position at a high level.
Cue the preseason fumbilitis, and Commanders coach Ron Rivera in 2022 now had the flexibility at the running back position to give Brian Robinson the reigns, and Robinson took advantage of the opportunity.
Truly unfortunate circumstances gave that opportunity back to Gibson, and as an integral part of Washington’s 28-22 win over the Jaguars, A-Gib has taken an opportunity and done well with it.
His seven catches tied a career-high, and his eight targets were a career-high. With 14 carries and 4.1 yards-per-clip, he held his own in the ground game, too.
Week 1 did a couple of other things, too. It planted the seeds of thought that maybe Gibson and Robinson could co-exist on the field at the same time, in different roles:
And, in case we forgot that JD McKissic hasn’t gone anywhere:
The closer the return of Robinson, whose earned trust with Ron Rivera, the more imminent the decline of Antonio Gibson’s value. Whether Gibson remains the more productive back throughout the season or not, the backfield is likely to become a three-way committee.
Add on the lingering threat of fumbilitis, and if you’re considering selling high on Gibson, then the sooner the better.
Keep up with The Wolf’s Rest of Season Big Board And Rankings, updated weekly, for more insight as the Commanders’ backfield continues to evolve. Gibson sits as a high-end RB2 in Week 2 at RB13 on The Wolf’s Week 2 Rankings.
