Redskins QB Dwayne Haskins officially enters Day 1 starter conversation

We all knew Redskins QB Dwayne Haskins would start eventually.

It would have been irresponsible for the Washington Redskins to withhold an opportunity from Dwayne Haskins, after spending a first-round pick on him. But in recent weeks, the prospect of Haskins’ eventual first start was lensed in the context of his readiness. It was assumed that, until Haskins was ready, either Case Keenum or Colt McCoy would start in his place, to mitigate early setbacks.

In the first game of preseason, Haskins’ showing gave that assumption some momentum. But last night, rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins made his first true case to start right out of the gate. Not in Week 9. Not in Week 6. Not in Week 3.

Week 1.

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The performance from Haskins wasn’t perfect. He displayed inconsistency with downfield accuracy that was prevalent on his college tape. He also took a few bad sacks. But for Haskins, the good far outweighed the bad. His touchdown pass to Robert Davis was a perfect touch ball with velocity, thrown in the face of heavy pressure. It was the highlight of the night, but it wasn’t the only play on which Haskins’ distinguished himself.

Haskins showed growth in other, more subtle ways as well. His hard count was better this time around, as he drew a neutral zone infraction at one point. He also did a great job of pointing out blitzes and changing protections, and when the pocket closed around him, he showed the ability to manipulate the pocket and take off when necessary. Most notably, however, Haskins was much more patient and collected with the football. In Week 1, he was ad-libbing on some plays, trying to let his arm talent do the work. This time around, he waited, showed maturity, trusted the process, and was opportunistic.

Until now, the Redskins had been careful with their rookie quarterback, and they’d kept him a safe distance from the starting conversation, in order to avoid bringing him along too quickly. But it appears as if Haskins is developing well enough for the team to change course. He was as close to ready as he’s been on Thursday night, and if he isn’t ready yet, he’s close. The question must be asked: If Haskins is using these reps the way he should, and if he’s growing with each opportunity, what good does starting Keenum or McCoy accomplish, other than withhold those opportunities?

Ultimately, whatever the Redskins intend to do this season, Haskins gives them the best chance to do it. If they want to win? Haskins showed he has that upside more than anyone else on the roster, even with his variances as a rookie. If they want to develop young talent and gear up for future success? Getting in-game reps is the best way for Haskins to do that. If he’s ready, there’s no sense waiting.

In all this excitement, it’s worth mentioning again that Haskins wasn’t perfect. And as long as he’s a rookie, learning yet, he won’t be. Will the good always outweigh the bad? No. Will Haskins have bad days in the future? Yes. But Haskins showed enough mental growth in one week, that he should be considered as the team’s Day 1 starter in two weeks. He was able to make these strides because of the reps he got in Week 1, and the mistakes he made, and one can reasonably assume that putting him in with the starters will only do good things for him.

Next. Redskins studs and duds from Week 2 of preseason. dark

In the search for Haskins’ readiness, onlookers should not look for perfection, but instead growth. Does he take information, both in success and adversity, process it well, and apply it with opportunity? On an imperfect night, Haskins perfectly displayed this growth. And it’s why he could soon be ready to take the starting job.

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