Dwayne Haskins must player better to stay on the field. That was the message that was delivered to the second-year quarterback by Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera and the team’s offensive coaching staff.
According to JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington, Rivera and Washington’s offensive coaches met with Haskins to make clear his job is on the line as starting quarterback and that he has to show growth to stay on the field.
Sources told NBC Sports Washington that during the meeting Rivera explained that while Haskins has a lot of talent and showed significant growth this offseason learning the playbook and in training camp, his play through three games has been lacking. What’s worse, last week’s game in Cleveland showed clear regression and one source explained that cannot continue if Haskins wants to stay on the field. Offensive coaches also sat down with Haskins this week to highlight opportunities to make plays and show missed chances that could lead to better results.
The meeting was a result of Haskins’ poor play in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns. He threw three interceptions in large due to him staring down his receivers. He also lost a fumble late in the game.
While Rivera initially showed his support for Haskins after the game, he later admitted to there being a “cut-off point” if the quarterback continued to struggle.
After a dismal rookie season that with a lame duck coaching staff, Haskins appeared to get a clean billing with new head coach Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Scott Turner. Motivated for the opportunity to be the Week 1 starting QB, Haskins transformed his body, dedicated himself to learning the playbook.
With no preseason, Haskins was given the keys by Rivera from the start of training camp. But, the young QB has yet to take steps forward as expected. Through three games this season, he has completed 56.4% of his passes — 32nd of 33 qualified NFL quarterbacks. His 28.8 QBR is worst among qualified QBs.
Behind Haskins is Kyle Allen, who Washington traded a fifth-round pick to acquire from the Carolina Panthers. Allen played two seasons under Rivera and Turner in Carolina. He started 12 games last season while Cam Newton was injured.
Allen was expected to compete with Haskins for Washington’s starting QB spot. However, the lost of preseason games along with restricted protocols due to COVID-19, Washington focused on developing Haskins instead of having a true competition.
Now, Haskins must play better, starting Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens or else there could be a changing of the guard at quarterback.
