The narrative entering this week was Dwayne Haskins had to play better to remain Washington’s starting quarterback. It’s a narrative that his agent, David Mulugheta, seems agitated by.
Following Washington’s 31-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Mulugheta responded to the report Haskins could be benched.
Mulugheta may have a point. Sunday just Haskins’ 11th start in the NFL over the course of two seasons. Within that framework, Haskins is dealing with his second head coach, offensive coordinator and system.
This is supposed to be a rebuilding season, a year of evaluation for the entire roster but more so for Haskins. He has do so with a young offensive line that just lost its three-time Pro Bowl right guard to injured reserve. Outside of top wide receiver Terry McLaurin, Washington doesn’t have the kind of weapons that threaten opposing defenses.
Still, Haskins has to play better to avoid the benching. Support for his development appeared to shift after a three-interception game last week against the Cleveland Browns.
Washington traded for Kyle Allen, who played two seasons under Rivera and offensive coordinator Scott Turner with the Carolina Panthers. Allen’s familiarity with the offense is added pressure for Haskins, who at this point, has to be looking over his shoulders.
This week, Haskins threw for a career-high 314 yards, completing 32-of-45 passes against a tough Ravens’ secondary. He scored a rushing touchdown late in the game and did not throw an interception for the third time in four games this season.
However, a key 4th-and-goal pass in the fourth quarter in which he failed to throw the football into the end zone drew the ire of Rivera and Turner.
