Redskins vs. Titans: Five takeaways from Saturday’s loss
By Ian Cummings
No. 4 – The Redskins may have found quarterback insurance for 2019 uncertainty
At the position which requires the most security in football, the Redskins have perhaps the least security of any team in the league. Alex Smith‘s time table for return is clouded. Colt McCoy’s durability is a long-term concern. And Mark Sanchez shouldn’t have a role in the room moving forward.
Smith’s contract demands that the Redskins wait for his return, if it does happen. But while that situation remains suspended in the air, Washington may have stumbled upon a temporary solution in Josh Johnson.
Johnson’s two interceptions at the end of the Titans game may cultivate a negative recency bias among onlookers, but to say the signal caller performed poorly would be a misjudgment. With sixth and seventh stringers on the offensive line, third and fourth stringers in the pass catching core, and only two weeks of experience in Washington’s offense, Johnson managed to give the unit life, against two fairly stringent defenses.
Johnson’s stats after two games and one quarter aren’t eye-popping. He completed 40 of 64 passes, accruing 499 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. He wasn’t able to withstand all of Washington’s unforgiving faults. But he showed remarkable poise and ability to run the offense with minimal preparation. His combination of athleticism and arm strength restarted an offense in neutral.
It wouldn’t be brash to say Johnson looked better than Colt McCoy in his short audition for a new job in the NFL. The San Diego product did more than enough to earn a place next season, and with so much uncertainty looming at the quarterback position, the Redskins may regret it if they don’t give him the first call.