Heading into the 2023 season, the Washington Commanders have high expectations despite finishing last in their division. They have new ownership coming in and a head coach in Ron Rivera who’s on the hot seat entering his fourth season. It doesn’t help that an inexperienced quarterback in Sam Howell is going to be leading the franchise.
Despite all the pressure on the franchise, there are still chances for players to shine and with that in mind, I have three bold predictions for next season.
3 bold predictions heading into the 2023 season for Washington Commanders
1. Antonio Gibson will have 1,000 all-purpose yards
This is quite a bold prediction considering that Antonio Gibson isn’t the starting running for the Commanders this season. However, upon further evaluation of his skills and how he’s projected to be used next season, it’s not unrealistic that he could reach 1,000 total yards this year.
Let’s remember that Gibson was a wide receiver in college and then turned into a running back in the NFL. Gibson also had over 1,000 yards rushing two seasons ago as well. Gibson has a unique skill set that can make him a problem to opposing defenses.
In a recent interview with former Washington players Fred Smoot and London Fletcher, Gibson hopes to showcase his wide receiver skills this season under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Bieniemy is known for his offensive innovation so it’s not unreasonable to believe that Gibson could line up more at wide receiver.
Last season, Gibson wasn’t far off from having 1,000 all-purpose yards. He rushed for 546 yards and caught a career-high 353 yards. That’s a total of 899 total yards. If Howell proves to be the passer he’s been praised to be and Gibson gets more touches in the passing game, then it’s completely possible for him to reach that benchmark.