Ranking the NFC East running backs after Week 1

2. Commanders RB Antonio Gibson

Commanders running back Antonio Gibson played like a man on a mission in Week 1. The Commanders took down the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-22.

This offseason, the Commanders added one of the NFL Draft’s top running back prospects in Alabama’s Brian Robinson. But an unfortunate incident regarding the rookie running back will keep him sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Gibson, who has battled injuries throughout his career, doesn’t look ready to lose his spot. On 14 rushing attempts on Sunday, Gibson recorded 58 rushing yards. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry.

Through the air, Gibson was utilized heavily in the Commanders’ offense. He brought in seven receptions for 72 yards while averaging 10.3 yards per reception. Gibson finished the day with 21 total touches. He turned this into 120 yards from scrimmage and eight first downs.

While he failed to reach the endzone, he was still highly effective. It is worth noting that he did this against a rebuilding Jaguars defense, but that unit is full of rising stars.

If Gibson can continue to play at a level like this, he could comfortably assert himself back in as the team’s clear choice to be RB1. Multiple performances like this will prove that his solid rookie season was no fluke.