Headline: Washington Commanders Urged to Replace Antonio Gibson with Dual-Threat Free Agent from Rival Team
In a stunning turn of events, the Washington Commanders have been advised to shake up their backfield by signing Tony Pollard, a “dual-threat” free agent from their division rival, the Dallas Cowboys. As the 2024 NFL free agency approaches, the Commanders have a golden opportunity to upgrade their roster and solidify their chances for success.
According to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, Pollard is the perfect fit for the Commanders. Bowen suggests that a short-term deal with Pollard would allow for a dynamic backfield rotation alongside Brian Robinson Jr. This strategy would not only reduce the workload for Pollard but also maximize his incredible dual-threat ability. With 179 receptions in his five seasons with the Cowboys and over 1,000 rushing yards in 2023, Pollard has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with.
What sets Pollard apart is his versatility and big-play potential. While Robinson excels as a hard-nosed, between-the-tackles runner, Pollard brings a different dimension to the Commanders’ offense. His lightning-fast speed and ability to attack the edges of defenses make him a nightmare for opposing teams. Just take a look at this electrifying run against the Commanders in Week 12, where Pollard showcased his blazing speed and agility.
With the potential addition of Pollard, the Commanders would have a formidable one-two punch in their backfield. This move would undoubtedly elevate their offense to new heights and give them a competitive edge in the upcoming season. As the Commanders consider their options in the 2024 NFL free agency, signing Pollard should be at the top of their priority list.
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Back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons are impressive additions to Pollard’s CV, but he’s more of a boom-or-bust runner, rather than a true workhorse. His modest 14.8 rushing attempts per game last season was a career high, per Pro Football Reference.
What Pollard does for an offense is expand the scheme. His versatility to be moved across formations as a pass-catcher would fit the expansive system preferred by Commanders’ offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Pollard played 15 percent of his snaps for the Cowboys out wide or in the slot during the 2022 season, according to Josh Norris of Underdog Fantasy. Pollard still moved around last season, but he snagged most of his career-best 55 catches behind the line of scrimmage. That’s borne out by Pollard averaging -0.2 yards before catch per reception.
Kingsbury could use Pollard in a more creative way. A way Gibson was rarely used.
Like Pollard, Gibson played some receiver at Memphis. Unfortunately, the Commanders rarely took advantage of Gibson’s positional flexibility.
Instead, the team’s third-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft never averaged more than 3.1 receptions per game, according to Pro Football Reference. Erratic usage of Gibson’s talents is one reason why the Commanders are already being urged to find replacements, including a 107-catch Pro Bowler.
Pollard could be a better fit because he already knows how to work in a backfield reliant on a committee approach. That’s what he did when Ezekiel Elliott was still the lead back for the Cowboys from 2019-’21.
New Commanders’ head coach Dan Quinn saw firsthand how well the Pollard and Elliott partnership worked during the 2021 and ’22 campaigns. So recreating a similar double act featuring Pollard and Robinson shouldn’t be a problem.
Elliott was the power back for short-yardage situations and goal-line offense. Pollard served as the utility back who contributed in both phases of the offense between the 20s.
The same dynamic would serve the Commanders well. Particularly with the franchise likely to select a quarterback with either the second or first-overall pick in this year’s draft.
A rookie signal-caller will have an easier time adjusting to the pros if he’s able to lean on a multi-purpose ground attack.
James Dudko covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens for.
According to the Source heavy.com