There has been much speculation about the attitude and demeanor of Dwayne Haskins following his benching last month. Considering he was drafted in the first round to become the franchise quarterback of the Washington Football Team just a year ago, it’s hard not to understand any negative vibes by the 23-year old.
Yet, from the sidelines, Haskins appeared to debunk any presumptive notions about him during Washington’s Thanksgiving clash against NFC East rivals the Dallas Cowboys.
As starting quarterback Alex Smith scrambled towards the sideline late in the fourth quarter, Haskins rushed over to help his teammate to his feet. It was a sight some loved to see.
Haskins started the first four games of the season this year, but was benched and demoted from starter to third string quarterback behind Kyle Allen and Smith. That led to Haskins being inactive for the four games that followed until Allen suffered a season-ending ankle injury.
Now, Haskins is the backup to Smith. He hasn’t been able to get on the field but he has remained engaged with his teammates on the sidelines.
Following Washington’s 41-16 win, Haskins tweeted “Got you back 11, great game” in reference to Smith.
Reports of improved study habits and working out with teammates after practice are good signs of how he is handling the situations. However, his display of growth and maturity are nearly as important of any physical development.
