Dwayne Haskins ‘checking his phone’ adds to negative perception of Steelers QB

Dwayne Haskins has a negative perception about his work ethic and playing abilities. It’s fair to say it may be warranted given how his tenure ended with the Washington Football Team.

But the latest update of the now Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback may have been a bit over the top.

NFL Network’s Aditi Kinhabwala gave a concerning report that added to the negative narrative of Haskins.

Mason Rudolph has had 4 years to show who he is. Dwayne Haskins, ostensibly one play from his 1st game action yesterday, spent warm-ups throwing lousy passes & checking his phone. Ben Roethlisberger may not be who he once was, but there’s a reason he’s your QB, #Steelers fans. https://t.co/MyQYaMTqeb

— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) November 15, 2021

At first glance even Haskins supporters may make it difficult to support him. Throwing “lousy passes” and “checking his phone” doesn’t sound like something an NFL quarterback should be doing.

Yet, there may be some perspective in order. Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions was Haskins’ first game active this season. He was the backup quarterback. The pre-game preparation of backup quarterbacks varies around the league. 

As for the phone? Multiple twitter users rushed to Haskins’ defense, pointing out a lot of NFL players are on their phone. No not to check it, but to adjust their music selection as they prepare for the game.

Given the narrative w/WFT Haskins’ departure, the phone comment only adds to the perception that he was prepared to play. With so many players using music to help find their “zone” before games, it is possible that Haskins was doing what everyone else does with headphones on. 🎧 https://t.co/WKJBLiXfrb

— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) November 15, 2021

Listen I know Haskins hasn't done all the right things, but dudes listen to and change music during warmups all the time https://t.co/Qq5Ofw8CIN

— Kareem (@Kareem_is_it) November 15, 2021

Why are you framing Dwayne in such a negative light? Players be on their phones during warmups for music and other reasons…it’s not uncommon. https://t.co/S9Y4PZrKaR

— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) November 15, 2021

Fans across Twitter asked why the focus wasn’t on Sunday’s starting quarterback for Pittsburgh, Mason Rudolph. Then there were others who joined the narrative against Haskins.

Kinkhabwala stood by her initial report despite the backlash of others. She explained her observation as well as members of the Steelers’ staff along the sideline.

It’s of course possible, Bucky. But it just so happens I was standing next to multiple members of the team’s staff who were pointing out his lack of focus, his sub-par warm-up passes and their disappointment in his maturation. That’s why I tried to illustrate: he’s not the savior— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) November 15, 2021

Maybe her initial tweet should have added more context to the situation much like she did in her reply to Bucky Brooks?

What is true is Haskins has failed to live up to expectations of being a first-round quarterback. He didn’t last two full seasons in Washington before head coach Ron Rivera had enough and released him in December.

Haskins violated the league’s COVID-19 protocols twice and was fined by the team on both occasions last season. He also lost his captaincy and was benched twice after poor play, practice habits and immaturity concerns.

The hope of him landing in Pittsburgh with head coach Mike Tomlin could be the wake-up call and structure he needed to get his career back on track. Yet, there have been reasons to be concerned both off the field and on it.