Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera says the team has a plan for rookie running back Antonio Gibson. However, that plan is a “secret,” according to Kyle Stackpole.
Head coach Ron Rivera said @WashingtonNFL has a plan for rookie RB Antonio Gibson.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 29, 2020
Said they haven't shown the entire plan yet. Wants to keep it a secret.
Gibson’s versatility has drawn quite a deal of comparisons to Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey. He played wide receiver primarily in college at Memphis, but Washington drafted him as a running back. He has worked strictly as a running back throughout training camp.
Gibson is arguably the most intriguing options at running back. His ability to catch the football, run in space and agility to weave through traffic gives offensive coordinator Scott Turner an array of options with him. Gibson’s versatility allows Turner to mix him on the field with any of the other running backs.
That includes JD McKissic, who too played wide receiver in college but running back in the NFL. Where Washington views McKissic as a third-down back, the team sees Gibson as potentially an every down back.
However, Washington has Adrian Peterson as the lead back going into the season. Additionally, Washington could potentially have Bryce Love, McKissic and Peyton Barber going into the season. The plethora of talent at running back will also lead to creativity for the play-calling.
That’s where Gibson will come into effect. Washington has given a small glimpse into Gibson’s role in practices opened to the media. They have so much more with him. But, we’ll have to wait until the regular season to see Washington unpack Gibson’s role in the offense.
