Antonio Gibson Key to Washington Football Team Playoff Hopes
The Washington Football Team looks to keep up its winning ways in a division rivalry game against Dallas on Sunday behind their second year running back Antonio Gibson.
The Washington Football Team (6-6) is two games back of the division-leading Cowboys (8-4), who they’ll be hosting this weekend. Washington is one of the hottest clubs in the NFL right now as they’ve ripped off four consecutive victories after starting the season 2-6. How has Washington managed to turn their season around? Mainly by running the ball and controlling the flow of the game. Washington is ninth in the NFL in rushing yards per game (124.4), and fourth in the league in average time of possession (31:57).
Only players with 80+ rush attempts over the last 4 weeks
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) December 7, 2021
🥄 Jonathan Taylor - 101
🥄 Antonio Gibson - 95
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Washington offensive coordinator Scott Turner understands that having quarterback Taylor Heinicke drop back and throw the ball 45 times per game isn’t a recipe for success. So, Turner has been generously using second year running back Antonio Gibson, a third round pick out of Memphis in the 2020 NFL Draft.
During their four-game winning streak Washington has given Gibson at least 19 carries in each contest. The 6’2” 220-pound tailback has risen to the occasion, running for more yards in 12 games (800) than he did all of last season in 14 games (795). Gibson’s 800 rushing yards are good for fifth in the NFL this season, and he’s second in the league to only Jonathan Taylor in first downs gained by rushing (53).
A bit of an enigma, Antonio Gibson is a larger back, but has great hands that are a key part of his diverse skill set. He played wide receiver in college and has used those skills well at the pro level. Before we go any further, let’s dig into Gibson’s background now.