Count DeAngelo Hall in the group skeptical Dwayne Haskins can beat out Kyle Allen to be the Washington Redskins starting quarterback. Not with Haskins’ struggles and Allen’s relationship with head coach Ron Rivera.
Appearing on NFL Network’s “Total Access,” Hall said he doesn’t know how Haskins will wins the noted QB competition.
“With Kyle Allen breathing down your throat you are not going to be able to make many mistakes. I love the kid but I don’t know how [Haskins] wins the starting job. I really don’t, with Ron Rivera knowing Kyle Allen. They traded a fifth-round pick for him.”
Since being hired as the Redskins’ head coach, Rivera has stressed he wanted a competition at quarterback. Rivera’s wording has walked a fine line between motivation and honest skepticism.
The Redskins found their answer for a competition in Allen, trading a fifth-round pick to Carolina for him. Allen said after speaking with the Redskins coaches the expectation is for him to compete for the starting QB.
Allen started his NFL career in 2018 in Carolina after going undrafted. Rivera was the head coach of the Panthers at the time. Additionally, Redskins offensive coordinator Scott Turner was Allen’s quarterback coach there and later offensive coordinator.
In 2019, Allen started 12 games for the Panthers following Cam Newton’s foot injury. Allen was 5-7 as a starter, throwing for over 3,000 yards. He had 17 touchdowns to 16 interceptions, showing he still needs some development.
Meanwhile, Haskins has been fighting an uphill battle since being a first-round pick of the Redskins last year — a considerable reach by some. Then head coach Jay Gruden was reluctant to play Haskins and when he initially got his chance he struggled mightily.
Haskins improved as the season went on winning two of his seven starts under interim coach Bill Callahan. He completed 58.6% of his passes for 1,365 yards. He threw seven touchdowns to seven interceptions.
Haskins failed to cement hope of him being a franchise quarterback with his struggles and mediocre play. Thus, leaving the opportunity of doubt with an incoming new head coach. While it’s apparent Rivera will give him a second chance in Washington, it’s understandable to feel skeptical of how much of a chance he will have.
“I don’t think Dwayne Haskins is going to respond,” Hall said. “Ron Rivera is an old school mentality type of coach. He wants competition. These young guys they want things given to them.”
Haskins impressing his new coaches has been complicated with the NFL’s off-season programs put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Allen has a leg up on him with his experience in Turner’s system and familiarity to Rivera’s program.
