Redskins: Five players to watch in Week 2 of preseason

No. 1 – Redskins QBs Dwayne Haskins and Case Keenum

The Redskins quarterback battle is always must-watch football, and this week, it might be a lot more focused on Dwayne Haskins and Case Keenum. Colt McCoy didn’t play in Week 1 because he was the assumed starter. Now, it seems as if he’s being held out for different reasons.

McCoy recently had an off practice, and afterward, Gruden said that McCoy was sore and not quite one-hundred percent with his leg, deeming him questionable for Thursday’s game. With McCoy unable to prove he can start, this game now becomes all the more important for Haskins and Keenum; if one can separate from the other, this battle gets a lot more interesting. If one of them truly earns it, it’s hard to see the Redskins keeping McCoy at the top.

Haskins figures to be the starter eventually, but as of now, the Redskins seem to favor a system where Haskins sits to McCoy or Keenum for at least a few weeks, to help him get his feet under him. That said, Haskins looked good last Thursday; although he threw two interceptions, he showed great promise with eye-catching arm talent, surprising mobility, and encouraging mental development.

With his up-and-down performance, Haskins didn’t do much for his stock in the battle, other than set a foundation. But Keenum didn’t do much for his stock either. Aside from his touchdown pass, which was a layup to a wide open receiver downfield, he clearly generated less velocity than Haskins, and while both responded well to pressure at times, neither could consistently withstand it.

In Week 2, the Redskins quarterbacks should have an easier time; few defensive fronts are as deep and imposing as the Browns’ unit. And in this second game, we’ll get to monitor progression from these two quarterbacks, and work toward the inevitable decision: Is Haskins ready to take the reins? Or should he be eased in further? Figuring that out is a process, and the process continues Thursday night.