Redskins Deep Dive: An in-depth evaluation of the quarterback room

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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 15: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins throws a touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at FedExField on December 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Dwayne Haskins

Consistency was the biggest and most crucial missing piece from the Redskins 2019 season. From the removal of Jay Gruden to the constant change in offensive philosophy between Kevin O’Connell and Bill Callahan, it is truly hard to give an honest and clear evaluation of Haskins’s rookie season.

Statistically, Haskins struggled. If you gave one glance at the end of the year report card, chances are you would have been immensely underwhelmed. Haskins completed just 58.6 percent of his passes, totaling seven interceptions and seven touchdowns with 6.7 yards per attempt. Those numbers aren’t pretty by any metric.

But stats don’t paint the whole picture, and hidden beneath the surface are a few signs that brighter days may soon be ahead. Haskins spent the first half of his rookie season watching both Case Keenum and Colt McCoy swallow most of the first-team reps in practice. Haskins came in to finish two different games against the Giants and the Vikings in unideal conditions. But progress was slowly but surely beginning to show signs of life.

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Each of the next three weeks, Haskins increased his number of throws and gained a better grip on the offense. His movement in the pocket looked more fluid and in control. He began to make throws on the run and his accuracy improved. Against the Lions, he showed control and poise in leading a drive well into the two-minute drill that led to a game-tying field goal. He made plays with his arm and showed off his ability to make plays on his feet.

Week 16 was the closest the Redskins and their fans got to see a future franchise quarterback in the 15th overall pick. In the first half, Haskins finished with a 143.2 rating, with a pair of impressive touchdowns. The first play of the second half, Haskins’s ankle was injured, and his rookie season came to a disappointing conclusion.

As I said before, the reality of the situation remains the same for the Redskins moving forward. The success of the offense will have to run through No. 7’s success. With a clean slate to start with, and new weapons to turn to, a year of work and study is bound to bring improvements to Dwayne Haskins’s production.

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