Washington Redskins Player Paragraphs: Offensive skill players at OTAs
By Ian Cummings
Quarterback
Alex Smith
The Washington Redskins’ new starting quarterback fared well at his first session of organized team activities with the burgundy and gold. It’s clear that he’s the most polished quarterback Jay Gruden has had with the Redskins, and according to both Gruden and his fellow players, Smith’s football I.Q. is something that stands out right away. He’s the perfect quarterback for Jay Gruden’s complex scheme, and he has both the physical ability and the mental prowess to maximize it. Smith has seamlessly transitioned into the Washington Redskins’ offense, and he’s using the offseason to strengthen his chemistry with his receivers. Washington’s offense seems to be in good hands with the veteran signal caller. Coming off a career year, there’s a chance the 34-year old could continue to improve in 2018.
Colt McCoy
Entering 2018 as the longest tenured Redskin in the quarterback room, Colt McCoy, in early offseason workouts, has dispelled any notions that he might be unseated as the Washington Redskins backup quarterback. McCoy is comfortable in Jay Gruden’s scheme, and his level of comfort, combined with his experience, is something that will keep him a safe distance ahead of 25-year old Kevin Hogan. McCoy made some plays in the offseason program; on the second team offense, he and Robert Davis connected more than once for big plays. McCoy hasn’t been able to show off his moxy on the big stage for some time, but if injury forces him onto the field, he’s more than serviceable as a backup. His role shouldn’t change any time soon.
Kevin Hogan
From the moment he arrived in Washington via trade, Kevin Hogan has been the No. 3 quarterback. The young signal caller has taken no issue with the unceremonious title, however. He’s hard at work, and according to Jay Gruden, his work is slowly paying off. In a press conference on June 13, via Redskins.com, Gruden said of Hogan: “He’s done good. I like Kevin. He’s a smart kid and he’s got some deceiving escape ability to him. He can run a little bit. We saw one today, he popped out of there for about a 20-yard gain. I like where he’s at. It’s hard for those No. 3 guys to get the reps and for them to show what they really can do on a limited basis, but as far as being attentive and being a good quarterback in the meetings rooms and all that stuff, he’s been very, very good.”
Hogan himself has expressed gratitude for the opportunity presented to him in Washington, after he was pushed out in Cleveland. Hogan, in a piece by Stephen Czarda of Redskins.com, spoke positively of the Washington Redskins locker room culture, and he also told Czarda that he’s making use of his time, picking the brains of the elder quarterbacks at his position, claiming that he sits next to Colt McCoy in every meeting. Hogan is not guaranteed a roster spot, but if he does well enough this offseason, he can prove to the Washington Redskins that he deserves to stick around. His in-game experience will bode well for him. So too will his seemingly tireless work ethic.