Patriots Daily: Antonio Gibson Brings Old Look Back to Pats

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson turned 26 yesterday. He signed with New England on March 11, 2024, becoming the Patriots first signing in free agency. Gibson spent his first four NFL seasons with Washington. Eliot Wolf hopes Gibson joins a long line of veteran running backs who came to Foxboro and produced for the Patriots. Gibson represents a possible shift to an aspect of the New England offense that was successful for years.

One aspect of the Belichick-Brady Era in Foxboro that seemed a staple was the “third-down back.” The many productive receiving backs included Kevin Faulk, Shane Vereen, and James White. It is an aspect of the offense noticeably missing in the post-Brady years. Perhaps Gibson can change that.

Filling a Need in New England

Running backs catching passes for the Patriots hasn’t been the issue. Rhamondre Stevenson caught 69 passes in 2022 for New England. Ezekiel Elliott led the Patriots with 51 receptions. However, those 120 receptions led to only 25 first downs. By comparison, James White had four seasons with 25-plus picked up on receptions. Gibson picked up 37 first downs over the past two seasons, the sixth most of any running back in the NFL.

Antonio Gibson recorded 1,036 receiving yards over the past three seasons. The only six running backs with more are all Pro Bowl players. That ground consists of Austin Ekeler, Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Joe Mixon, D’Andre Swift, and Josh Jacobs. Gibson recorded 389 receiving yards and 19 first downs receiving in 2023. Those numbers could increase in New England if the Patriots feature their running backs as they once did with so much success.

If the newly-extended Rhamondre Stevenson remains healthy, he will continue to be the featured back in New England. Antonio Gibson’s presence adds a new dynamic to the offense while allowing Stevenson to focus on his primary role. Keeping the chains moving on offense has been an issue in New England. Gibson helps provide a solution.

Also in Monday’s Patriots Daily:

Daily Patriots Fun Fact

Antonio Gibson rushed for 2,643 yards with Washington before signing with the New England Patriots. However, that total is not enough to place him in the Top 10 for career rushing yards before making a player’s Patriots debut. That list is as follows:

Steven Jackson (11,388)
Fred Taylor (11,271)
Ezekiel Elliott (8,262)
Corey Dillon (8,061)
Terry Allen (6,881)
Mark van Eeghen (5,907)
Chuck Foreman (5,887)
Cam Newton (4,806)
Marion Butts (4,297)
Antowain Smith (2,932)

Post of the Day

A look back at what the New England Patriots hope to see from Antonio Gibson in 2024:

Sam Howell ➡️ Antonio Gibson!

📺: #BALvsWAS on ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/L9mPiySUki pic.twitter.com/5sdrq3xSnS

— NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2023

New England Patriots

Patriots Football Now – New England drafted Rhamondre Stevenson in 2021. In three seasons he has over 3,000 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns. Stevenson was one of several key Patriots players entering the last year of their contracts in 2024. New England opted against letting their featured back test free agency in 2025. The Patriots and Rhamondre Stevenson agreed to a contract extension to keep him in New England.

Patriots Football Now – When Bill Belichick and the Patriots “parted ways” following the 2023 season, there was a lot of talk about how much things would change in New England under the new regime. Whether it was using the “Packer Way” or “burning cash” as alluded to by Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo, change was coming. However, most of the Patriots offseason moves have revolved around retaining players drafted or signed by Belichick. Turns out, reports of a roster overhaul were greatly exaggerated.

Boston Bruins

Boston Hockey Now – Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final will be played tonight by the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. The Boston Bruins offseason began after a first-round knockout at the hands of the Panthers. But is still happening with the Bruins. They retained defenseman Ian Mitchell, they continue to be discussed in trade rumors involving goaltender Linus Ullmark, and Boston forward Jake DeBrusk has a mutual interest with a division rival. BSN covers all of these items and more.

PFN+

Subscribe here or on Boston Hockey Now to get a subscription to both sites. Subscribers get bonus coverage such as NFL Draft scouting reports and weekly NFL Power Rankings. It also provides a completely ad-free experience on the sites.

Use code KELLEY10 and get $10 off a yearly subscription. New England Patriots and Boston Bruins coverage with no ads and bonus content for less than 8¢ a day!