Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Breaking down the Redskins offensive backfield for 2020

By Jonathan Eig

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Derrius Guice #29 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball as Tavon Wilson #32 of the Detroit Lions defends during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Derrius Guice #29 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball as Tavon Wilson #32 of the Detroit Lions defends during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 22: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the New York Giants at FedExField on December 22, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 22: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the New York Giants at FedExField on December 22, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Quarterback

On Roster: Kyle Allen, Dwayne Haskins, Jr., Steven Montez, Alex Smith

Projected Starter: Haskins

The Redskins need to battle two opposing impulses regarding Dwayne Haskins. Any first-round draft pick is going to be expected to perform at a high level, and nowhere is that pressure higher than on quarterbacks. Despite the fact that a new coaching regime has arrived, there will be a natural inclination to try and get value out of a recent first-rounder. That could lead to Haskins be given a long rope.

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At the same time, the expectations on a first-round quarterback, especially entering his second season, are astronomically high. If Haskins plays at a middle-of-the-pack level, there is a good chance that many in the fan base will think he is a failure. Ron Rivera and Scott Turner need to navigate between these two shores.

It appears, with the moves that the Redskins have made, that Haskins will be given a very good shot at solidifying his role as Redskin starting quarterback in 2020. And that is exactly what they should be doing. I don’t know if he will prove more effective and efficient at reading defenses – this is his biggest obstacle, and given his relative inexperience in college, my guess is no one can say with any assurance how much he will improve. This upcoming year should be the year devoted to finding out.

Haskins will falter at times, but if he makes progress, his arm makes him worth the look. This highlight package from the Week 12 win over Detroit, shows off what he can do when given time, and also reveals his adequate running ability, and increasing ability to perform under pressure, as he showed on his crucial throw to Terry McLaurin in the final seconds to set up the victory. He needs to be given room to fail, to grow, and eventually prove his value.

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