It’s hard to imagine that heading into the Washington Redskins’ bye week, there is still a debate of whether rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins should start at quarterback. The Redskins at 1-8 are not going anywhere. Even if they miraculously turned around their season, playoffs won’t be in the cards in a tough NFC.
Yet, Bill Callahan, who reportedly has full control of the roster, hasn’t quite gave his seal of approval on Haskins. Sunday, the Ohio State product made his first NFL start as Case Keenum remained in the league’s concussion protocol.
His moment came in the ninth game of the season and after he watched fellow first-round picks Kyler Murray and Daniel Jones start all or almost of the season. Even sixth-round pick Gardner Minshew II started eight games for the Jacksonville jaguars. All play on better teams than the Redskins.
Haskins was better than his two relief appearances, throwing for a modest 144 yards on 15-of-22 passing while eating four sacks against the Buffalo Bills. More importantly he didn’t turn over the football. Yet, Callahan still appears to be joined at the hip to Keenum.
Wasn’t one of the reasons that led to Jay Gruden being fired last month, him not developing Dwayne Haskins?
Newsflash, it’s hard to believe Callahan will be the Redskins head coach next season. And if he is that’s a travesty in itself. Trying to win games this year with a 1-8 record is asinine. Especially if the first-round pick quarterback is not playing.
The Redskins are in an intriguing spot, they’re in line for a top-5 draft pick in the first round with a new head coach certain to come in. Finding out if Haskins is truly their long-term solution at quarterback or if they need to redirect to the draft with a stronger crop of QBs to pick from than this year’s draft.
Basically, the next seven games should be devoted to Haskins, if anything to see if he has the seeds to be the Redskins franchise. Or if he is the next Josh Rosen.
Rosen was the picking of a one-and-done administration in 2018 with the Arizona Cardinals. After Steve Wilks was fired, Rosen was traded to Miami as head coach Kliff Kingsbury opted to build around Kyler Murray, this year’s No. 1 pick overall. Haskins could be in the same situation, as he was picked under a lame duck administration.
The head coach has already been fired, and the interim shouldn’t be expected to be there beyond the season. Yes, Bruce Allen and Dan Snyder, the two men that wanted Haskins the most, will be running the team next season. However, selling tickets has always been first and foremost for the duo.
If Haskins struggles and cannot restore some of the fan base’s hopes that have been lost in recent years, Allen and Snyder could quickly turn to Joe Burrow or Tua Tagovailoa.
It’s no better way to find out than letting Haskins finish the season as the starting quarterback or better yet build his trade market.
Either way it makes no sense than to not let him play. He has shown glimpses of his capabilities enough to see the season through. It’s best for him and the Redskins long-term one way or another.
