You can probably cross Antonio Gibson’s name off the list of potential ‘leakers’ complaining about Eric Bieniemy’s intensity to Ron Rivera, because when JP Finlay caught up with Gibson at Commanders camp Wednesday, Gibson revealed he actually likes EB’s intensity, because he understands the need.
“It’s a good thing to me; I feel like no one wants to get cussed out or yelled at as a grown man, so it forces you to get things right so you don’t have to hear it,” Gibson smiled. “But at the same time, he expects it from us, and it’s going to make us work harder to get it done right. In the long run, down the stretch, those small things will matter."
He smiled when JP asked if Bieniemy is extra tough on running backs because Bieniemy was one, and told Finlay “it’s pretty spread equally” – but again, Gibson doubled down that it’s not being done just to be a hard-ass, it’s being done to make the Commanders better…and the opposite is actually worse?
“You have to know it’s coming, because if you don’t, you can take it the wrong way thinking he’s out to get you – but he’s not. There’s no reason to do that,” Gibson said. “He wants the best for you, that’s why he’s getting on you – and when a coach stops trying to correct you and yelling at you, that’s when you should be worried.”
So, then, as things get more physical, is the offense evening out with a defense that starred early in camp?
“It’s training camp and practice against our guys, so sometimes they get their run early, but we’re always pushing each other and going back and forth,” Gibson said. “We want that, because the back and forth shows that both sides will fight. As long as we put the work in and correct what we need to fix every day after watching tape, we’ll be fine.”
Gibson’s main role is going to be as a third-down back, meaning he’ll be in pass protection a lot – but as shown in Kansas City last year, that can be a role where a pass-catcher with speed can flourish, as Jerrick McKinnon and others did in a screen-heavy scheme.
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Much different than his first seasons as a lead or co-lead back, but a role Gibson is looking forward to filling in the Bieniemy offense.
“I’m super excited. All the work we’ve been putting in, already you can see it on the field and see how much of a change it is from last year,” Gibson said. “It’s early still, but hopefully he throws those screens in early in the season and opens up those plays.”
And he’s looking forward from being the beneficiary of some love from new QB Sam Howell.
“He’s confident, and looks relaxed and calm in the huddle, and he gets people to where he needs them to be,” Gibson said. “I feel confident with him, and hopefully he goes out and proves he’s the guy.”
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