A tumultuous week for Dwayne Haskins culminated with the Washington Football Team quarterback being benched for Taylor Heinicke in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers.
“Definitely the hardest week of my life,” Haskins said, per John Keim of ESPN. “I just want to bounce back and move forward and pray and get my life together.”
Haskins’ week was highlighted by him attending an indoor party while not wearing a mask. Photos surfaced of him partying maskless with strippers. As a result, he violated NFL COVID-19 protocols for a second time this year. That led to him being fined a reported $40,000, having his captainship stripped and being forced to apologize to him teammates.
Through it all, Haskins still got to start a second straight week as Alex Smith is still hobbled with a lingering right calf injury. However, Haskins struggled mightily against the Panthers from the onset.
He had three turnovers in the first half, losing a fumble and throwing two interceptions. His poor play along with a crucial muffed punt by Steven Sims dug Washington into a 20-3 hole at halftime.
Haskins’ struggles continued into the second half and after getting sacked on a 4th-and-2 play down 20-6 in the fourth, he was benched. Coupled with his drama off the field this week, Sunday’s performance could have been the curtain call for Haskins’ career in Washington.
“I got a lot on my mind. I can’t really put to words how I feel right now,” Dwayne Haskins said, per Matthew Paras of the Washington Times.
Haskins initially declined to speak with the media and left FedEx Field following the game, according to the Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala. Washington PR team failed to reach the QB, but ultimately Haskins agreed to speak with media from his home.
The situation was described as a “miscommunication in the heat of the moment.”
Nevertheless, it’s apparent Haskins is not in the right space mentally following the week he just endured. Washington’s loss puts them in a must-win against the Philadelphia Eagles next week to win the NFC East and make the playoffs.
Smith’s health is up in the air for next week. However, its hard to imagine a situation with Haskins being trusted under center in Washington moving forward.
