The 2023 season will be the first with Eric Bieniemy at the helm of the Commanders’ offense, and changes in roles and workloads for a number of players should be expected as a result. Antonio Gibson could be a beneficiary in that regard, and he is hopeful to see more work as a pass-catcher this year. 
The 25-year-old played as a receiver in college, but he was widely expected to operate as a running back upon his arrival in the NFL. Gibson has showcased his two-way skillet to date with the Commanders, especially last season when he was supplanted by Brian Robinson as the lead back. A continuation of that setup could allow him to return to a more familiar offensive role.
“Hopefully, this year, it comes around to where I can showcase on multiple occasions what I can do out there,” Gibson said during a team interview (video link). “I love being out there. I have fun out there, and once I get the ball in open space, I’m really that guy.”
The Memphis product had a down year in terms of total production from scrimmage, but his receiving yardage (353) was the highest of his career. That helped earn him the continued support of head coach Ron Rivera, and solidify his role as a contributor both on offense and special teams (as a kick returner) heading into the final year of his rookie contract. Production on the ground and in the air could boost Gibson’s free agent value considerably.
Washington has Robinson on the books for three more seasons, and the team added Chris Rodriguez Jr. in this year’s draft. Free agent signing Jonathan Williams and former UDFA Jaret Patterson are also available as depth options in the backfield, but Gibson should shoulder much of the pass-catching duties vacated by J.D. McKissic. He will also look to compete for targets against a WR room led by Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel and Dyami Brown.
Bieniemy has a background in Kansas City of using offensive skill players in creative ways, so it will be interesting to see how Gibson’s workload takes shape during training camp. His performance during the summer will go a long way in determining how he is deployed ahead of an important season for both player and team.
Bieniemy is the real question in this equation as ‘his experience in KC’ is suspect.
Andy’s offense or Eric’s? Any witnesses seeing or hearing a coach calling plays for Mahomes except Andy?
Antonio Gibson is much more versatile then Brian Robinson. Robinson doesn’t catch passes, he is the Isiah Pacheco of the Commanders offense. Gibson is going to put up some stats this year.
I am excited for Bieniemy, glad he is getting this opportunity to show what he is capable of. The only real question/problem is Sam Howell as QB1. Is Sam a guy or is Jacoby Brissett going to take over at some point in the season?
According to this article on Pacheco, there were a couple reasons why he wasn’t very involved in the passing game. For one, that was McKinnon’s role, primarily. Second, he had a couple of hand injuries during the season that were repaired during the off-season. He should have a bigger role in it this season. link to chiefswire.usatoday.com
In his 43 college starts Pacheco caught 47 passes. He has never been a big part of any team’s passing attack. He was drafted in the 7th round. He is really good at the role Reid gave him.
Yes he is capable of catching a pass but I do not see him playing a bigger role next year. The Chiefs brought back McKinnon and CEH, both these guys are better at the passing game imo.