Since becoming the head coach of the Washington Commanders in 2020, Ron Rivera has done his best to recreate his days as the coach of the Carolina Panthers. Aside from the numerous players, coaches and staff brought in over the past three offseasons, now Rivera wants to duplicate his Panthers ways with the Commanders running backs.
Antonio Gibson has been the featured back in Washington’s offense the past two seasons. This offseason, the Commanders re-signed J.D. McKissic. But the team still wanted to grab a running back to add in early downs next to Gibson.
Thus with the second of two third-round picks in last month’s draft, the Commanders selected Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. A bruiser with deceptive agility and one-cut skill set.
Robinson Jr. is expected to split carries with Gibson on early downs. Meanwhile, McKissic will be the primary third-down back and receiving option out of the backfield. Expect Gibson to blend in with McKissic in that area as well.
The hope for Washington is to recreate the magic of the dynamic duo the Panthers had with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.
Williams coincidentally played at Memphis in college just like Gibson. Also like Gibson, Williams was entering his third year when the Panthers decided to draft another early down back. Stewart and Williams were paired from 2008-2014.
The pair’s best season together came in 2009, two seasons before RIvera became head coach. Stewart and Williams each rushed for 1,000 yards. They’re one of just seven duos in NFL history to each rush for more than 1,000 yards in the same season.
Rivera wasn’t in Carolina at the beginning of the duo. But, Commanders executive vice president of player personnel, Marty Hurney was there as the Panthers general manager. Rivera coached the tandem for four seasons before Williams was released.
In two seasons, Gibson has rushed for 1,832 yards with the Commanders. He’s went over 1,000 yards from scrimmage each season and has a total of 21 touchdowns, including 18 on the ground.
But, Gibson has battled injuries, despite just missing 3 of 33 games. He’s also struggled with fumbling. Last season he led the NFL in fumbles by a non-quarterback with six.
Gibson has understood the drawbacks to his play. According to ESPN’s John Keim, Gibson has slimmed down and dropped his body fat from 18% to 12%.
Meanwhile, Robinson is ready to breakout much like he did a year ago while playing for the Crimson Tide. The rookie had to sit and wait his turn for four years at Alabama. Then last season he emerged as the lead back and rushed for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The Commanders hope they’ve found their version of Williams and Stewart with Gibson and Robinson. If Robinson is able to pick up the offense and contribute early, it will alleviate pressure from Gibson. It’s an aide that Washington didn’t have for Gibson the past two seasons.
A less used Gibson may make for a more efficient Gibson. That’s the hope. If so, Washington’s offense can become more potent with a strong run game. That could go a long way to settling newly acquired by embattled quarterback Carson Wentz.
