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As we look toward the 2023 regular season, we count down the most important players for the Washington Commanders ahead of training camp. On Sunday, we started at No. 25 with linebacker Khaleke Hudson.
Today, the No. 24 most important player for the Commanders in 2023 is running back Antonio Gibson. Fittingly, Gibson also wears jersey No. 24, but that’s not why we chose him.
Gibson is entering his fourth NFL season in 2023. It’s also a contract year for the former college wide receiver. Many believed the Commanders were down on Gibson ahead of the 2022 NFL draft when Washington selected running back Brian Robinson Jr. in the third round.
After Gibson struggled with fumbles in 2021, Washington wanted to add another back to the stable last season. It became apparent in the first preseason game that Robinson would start ahead of Gibson, but that didn’t mean Gibson wasn’t a significant part of the team’s plans moving forward.
Gibson’s rushing numbers were down in 2022, with Robinson on the roster. However, due to the injury to J.D. McKissic, the Commanders used Gibson more in the passing game. In 14 of the 15 games he played, Gibson caught at least two passes. In nine games, he caught at least three passes. Gibson established new career highs in targets, receptions, receiving yards and yards per reception.
Under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, the screen game should be a big part of Washington’s offense. It wasn’t under former coordinator Scott Turner, despite the Commanders having the personnel to be a good screen team.
Washington is excited about Gibson’s role under Bieniemy. One site even named the combination of Robinson and Gibson as the Commanders’ X-Factor in 2023. Each will have a defined role. The goal is to get Gibson in space more than in previous years.
A healthy and effective Gibson would be a big deal for Washington’s offense. While the receivers are outstanding, having a strong running game with a terrific option out of the backfield could be critical for quarterback Sam Howell’s development.
The Commanders need both running backs in 2023.