Redskins vs. Falcons: 5 players to watch in preseason Week 3
By Ian Cummings
No. 2 – Redskins QBs Dwayne Haskins and Case Keenum
Opinions are wide-ranging on who the Redskins should start at quarterback, and when. Some feel that veteran quarterback Case Keenum should be given the reins at first, while Dwayne Haskins continues to develop. Others, however, are impressed with the progress Haskins has made in a short amount of time, and see the added reps as a positive influence.
Whatever the prevailing opinion is, however, doesn’t matter, because ultimately, it is the Redskins who make the decision, and it’s the Redskins who still appear to be in deliberations on the matter. A report yesterday suggested that the team was leaning toward Keenum as the go-to guy, but Jay Gruden implied in a press conference later that day that the staff was still undecided on a starting quarterback.
More likely than not, Washington will make a concrete decision in the aftermath of Week 3, therefore giving the presumed starting quarterback a week before the season to prepare for the regular season role. But if the team actually plans on giving Haskins a chance to earn the job with the first team in Week 3, then they need to be careful about how they divide the reps.
At first, once Colt McCoy’s injury concerns became a serious problem, it was assumed that Case Keenum would be a heavy favorite to win the starting job. Dwayne Haskins changed that with a very solid Week 2 performance, in which he displayed quick growth, toughness, and moved the ball well. Some feel he deserves a shot with the first team, so that he can continue to learn on the field, but it’s ultimately the Redskins who decide whether he’s ready or not. And this week, we’ll get an inside look at that decision.