Assessing Redskins quarterback options: Is Josh Rosen a franchise QB?

CARSON, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up ahead of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up ahead of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 16: Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals passes against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 16: Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals passes against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Analyzing Josh Rosen’s rookie season

It’s worth noting right now that Josh Rosen’s rookie season wasn’t perfect. Some of his flaws were magnified at the next level, and some areas in which he had room for growth were spotlighted against greater competition.

But Rosen’s situation was about as bad as a rookie quarterback could have. His offensive staff was legitimately awful (Mike McCoy was his offensive coordinator for half the season), and Steve Wilks showed he wasn’t prepared for a head coaching role from the start of the 2018 campaign. Rosen’s offensive line went through immense turnover, and as a result, he dealt with pressure far more often than a rookie quarterback should.

Rosen’s supporting cast also left something to be desired in Arizona, though that is more the fault of the offensive staff failing to use players like David Johnson correctly. Rosen was in a detrimental situation in 2018, and yet, he still showed flashes of the brilliance hinted at in college. He gave Chad Williams a beautiful high-point pass early on against the Seahawks, and there were other instances where his precision was put on display. He also led a comeback victory against the 49ers; not quite of the same magnitude of his Texas A&M comeback, but representative of his ability to rise to the occasion in clutch moments.

Rosen wasn’t perfect in 2018, and there were times where the adverse circumstances in Arizona visibly hurt his performance. More skittish in the pocket with constant pressure (He faced pressure on a whopping 40.4 percent of drop backs, per Doug Farrar of USA Today), his mechanics weren’t as consistent, and his aggressive style didn’t always translate well. But the traits are still there, and the mental quickness is still there for the Redskins to benefit from, if they’re willing. You never give up on a quarterback after one year, especially if they showed promise with little help around them. Even the best quarterbacks need to be put in a position to succeed, to do so. Rosen was not put in a position to succeed in Arizona. He deserves to be given the opportunity to have some cohesion with his supporting cast and his coaching staff, before he’s written off.

For full disclosure, it’s important to note that there’s limited NFL tape publicly available to view for Rosen. But even in highlights, it’s important to recognize the kinds of throws Rosen can make, especially when many gravitate toward the negative aspects of his rookie season. Rosen’s fast release and his precision are matched only by Kyler Murray in the 2019 class. His unique talents make him a quarterback worth giving time, and in his youth, his book is far from closed.

Tape Watched

Josh Rosen vs. Seattle Seahawks (Home)

Josh Rosen highlights vs. San Francisco 49ers (Home)