Can WFT Tap Into Growth of RB Antonio Gibson?
Antonio Gibson is ready to show in 2021 that his rookie season was far from a one-year wonder in Washington. When he was taken in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Antonio Gibson had no clue what direction the Washington Football Team would take him. A wide receiver at Memphis, Gibsons time running the football was mostly used on special teams. One year later, hes looking to build off the success of his first NFL season as a full-time standout in the backfield. Washingtons offense is looking to expand and become more multi-dimensional. With the additions of Curtis Samuel, Dyami Brown and Adam Humphries, coach Ron Rivera and coordinator Scott Turner will implement a heavier passing attack for new QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Gibson is expected to have a major role in the passing attack. Thats an area WFT running backs coach Randy Jordan knows the second-year runner needs little help improving on. I think the biggest thing for him is to continue to progress, not only as a runner but as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, Jordan said. I think thats something we havent really tapped into a lot. Jordan was pleased with Gibsons progression last season as Washingtons lead back. Week by week, it felt like a new piece of the puzzle was added to the finished product. Soon, Gibson was feeling comfortable with all thrown at him. Gibson exploded onto the field by midseason for Washington, becoming one of the games top hybrid offensive players of 2020. By the seasons end, he led all rookies in rushing touchdowns (11) and finished fifth in rushing yards (795). Its like night and day from the first time that he started to play the running back position full-time, Jordan said on Gibsons advancement. He still has a lot of tools. Hes doing a really great job for us so far, and Im just looking for him to continue to stack practices and continue to perfect his craft.  Adding Samuel gives Washington two players of the hybrid type. The difference is their roles in college. Samuel, during his time with the Ohio State Buckeyes, primarily saw his snaps at running back. Gibson, a key member of Memphis AAC title run in 2019, lined up at wide receiver. In two seasons with Memphis, Gibson made 44 catches for 834 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also averaged 19 yards per catch and used his agility to make cornerbacks and safeties miss tackle attempts. READ MORE: WFT Sign Two Young Vets  Washington finished 25th in passing last fall. The team only had one wide receiver who finished with over 1,000 yards (Terry McLaurin) while fellow running back J.D. McKissic finished third in receptions. Gibsons hybrid skills allow him to be a dangerous weapon each down. Jordans goal is to now make sure his guy hasnt forgotten how to catch passes. One thing jokingly he said in a meeting one time was that  he was like, Dang, I almost forgot how to play the receiver position, so thats a good thing from a running backs standpoint, Jordan said. I think, first and foremost, hes a football player. The more he [plays as a receiver], the more opportunities he has to do it, hell get better at it.  Fitzpatrick was brought in to stabilize the passing attack. McLaurin, Samuel and Gibson all have hands, but they also have speed. Each player ran at least a 4.44 40-time during their respective Pro Days. Samuel will be used in a multitude of ways. McLaurin has become a do-it-all target, but still possess home-run speed. Gibsons rookie success has his confidence at an all-time high. If Gibsons hands still work - we are sure they do - then Washingtons offense will truly expand, causing fits for defensive coordinators on Sundays. CONTINUE READING: Chase Young In, Fitzpatrick Pick: Washington Minicamp Notebook