The chorus of media and fans that were chanting for Dwayne Haskins to be the Washington Redskins starting quarterback got a harsh dose of reality Sunday. The rookie was thrown in at quarterback late in the second quarter against the New York Giants, as Case Keenum struggled through a foot injury.
The rookie looked like a deer caught in headlights. Haskins completed 9-of-17 passes for a pedestrian 103 yards while throwing three interceptions. He often held on to the football too long, not trusting his progressions. And he missed wide open receivers running freely down the field. Haskins looked much like a rookie. A rookie playing far too early.
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said he was looking for a spark, trailing 14-0.
Started Good
Haskins looked good on his opening drive, completing his first two passes to dig the Redskins out of a 2nd-and-15. He later scrambled 14 yards on a mesh play before being taken down at the Giants’ one-yard line. But from there it was all downhill.
He missed on his next two throws in the end zone, as the Redskins settled for a field goal. The 21-yard field goal from Dustin Hopkins turned out to be Washington’s only score.
Then Threw Three Interceptions
Haskins locked in on his targets, just as he did on his first interception, a pick-six to Giants safety Jabrill Peppers. There was tight coverage on tight end Jeremy Sprinkle dragging across the middle. The throw was not out enough and Peppers jumped it with opened field in front of him.
Haskins’ first true mistake extended the Giants’ lead to 24-3. He would throw two more interceptions. The second in tight coverage that wide receiver Paul Richardson could not out-jump Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins.
The third, bounced off the shoulder pads of tight end Vernon Davis. Haskins zipped the pass in a window before Davis finished breaking out of his route. The ball popped into the hands of Jenkins, dropping the curtain on a disastrous debut.
But, He Wasn’t Ready and Neither Were the Redskins
Dwayne Haskins had no business being out on the field this week. He wasn’t ready. It’s all Redskins officials have been preaching. He is the future of the Redskins. That future is not now.
Not when their cornerstone left tackle is missing due to a holdout that seemingly is not going to end. Not in the favor of the Redskins. Not when their Pro Bowl right guard and starting center due to injuries. Not when an offensive line is decimated and the most penalized unit in the NFL.
Washington was even without its best wide receiver, as a hamstring injury kept rookie sensation Terry McLaurin out of the game.
That’s a lot for a rookie quarterback to overcome. Haskins has struggled with pocket presence, not knowing when to throw hot or consistently climbing the pocket throughout training camp. Sunday was no different. In one of his two sacks he ate, he had three wide opened receivers.
His eyes never saw them, as he was locked on Richardson whose route was jumped. And with the pressure caving in on him, never quite got the opportunity to step through and see Trey Quinn breaking away down the seam.
‘There Will Be Better Days’
To be fair, Washington was missing horses to their offense. Haskins was thrown in unenviable position, relieving a hurt and struggling QB in an inept offense that he was ill-prepared to run.
“Didn’t execute the way I wanted to,” Haskins said following the game per WTOP’s George Wallace. “They’ll be better days.”
And he is right. There will be better days for him and the Redskins. But, those better days may not come anytime soon.
What’s Next for Haskins?
Gruden did not commit to naming a starting quarterback for next week against the New England Patriots. But, Haskins should not be the guy chosen. Washington is now 0-4 for the first time since 2001 and they are searching for answers starting with quarterback.
Haskins has to develop and get better. Playing against the Patriots next week may not be the best option for that. Maybe Week 6 against the Miami Dolphins. But then again, they may not be either.
Haskins’ long-term development is the greater purpose right now. It’s in the Redskins’ best interest. And right now, he is not ready for Jay Gruden’s system. Honestly, given Gruden appears to be a lame duck coach, there may not be a need for Haskins to get equipped.
