Redskins: Three key storylines to watch as training camp nears

No. 1 – Who will be the Redskins starting quarterback out of the gate?

In training camp, the Redskins will have to make a crucial decision regarding the quarterback situation. Do they start first-round rookie Dwayne Haskins right out of the gate? Or do they ease him in, and utilize the security given to them by Case Keenum?

Situationally, there are a lot of underlying factors in this discussion. Given Jay Gruden’s job security, he might want to either win games, or have Dwayne Haskins display growth early on. Case Keenum isn’t the kind of quarterback to save a coach’s job, and the best way for Haskins to develop is to get on-field reps.

Of course, if Trent Williams isn’t suiting up, due to his looming contract standoff, then putting Haskins on the field without a blindside blocker could only move his developmental curve downward. In that case, it would be best to start Keenum. But then Gruden isn’t competing, let alone winning, and his job is in jeopardy. More fine print.

There’s one way the Redskins two quarterbacks can nullify all the situational speculation: One has to gain separation from the other. In minicamp and OTAs, they were close together in performance. Keenum displayed more polish, as is to be expected from a seasoned veteran juxtaposed with a rookie, but even he had some problems picking up the offense early on.

Haskins, meanwhile, was inconsistent, and while his flashes were very bright, and while he worked overtime multiple practices, he showed the trademark rawness of every rookie. Haskins, given his traits, was considered a relatively pro-ready quarterback, but the learning curve is steep even for him.

The Redskins quarterbacks can make this decision an easy one for Jay Gruden. If Haskins continues to progress, and if his physical traits continue to out-shine Keenum’s, as he gains more mental fortitude, then a case could be made for him to start. If he’s progressing slower than anticipated, then the team might feel inclined to start Keenum.

Haskins should be starting at some point this season. A team doesn’t spend a first-round pick on a quarterback, just to relegate him to the bench. Return on investment must be sought. Consequently, Keenum is a bridge at best. But the team can use that bridge in a multitude of ways, to affect the development of their rookie quarterback. In training camp, the team will be able to keep tabs on the progression of both, and by the end of preseason, a decision will be made.