Washington Football Team: Week 3 reality checks, predictions vs. Browns

5. The Reality Is, Dwayne Haskins needs a solid performance.

Let me be clear. Barring injury, Dwayne Haskins should start all 16 games for the WFT this season. He should be given every single possible rep in practices and games the entire year. The future of the franchise is either riding on his arm, or it’s not…and we have to know by the end of this year.

With that said, Haskins could really use a solid performance this week after starting the season pretty sluggishly in all phases. The best thing he’s had going for him so far this season is that he’s seemed to handle the huddle and clock well, as the team has zero false starts or delay penalties. Otherwise, his performances have been underwhelming at best.

Inaccuracy due to poor footwork, happy feet in the pocket, running into sacks, and looking uncomfortable in the pocket, it’s been pretty ugly. As always, there are glimpses of his arm talent and potential leadership ability as evidenced by his teammates voting him one of the team captains. But Haskins needs to produce on the field to lock down this starting job long-term.

My Prediction: Scott Turner gameplays some more rhythm, quick-game, and movement for Haskins and he gets off to a strong start in this game. And as a streaky passer, that leads to a strong second half as well. Haskins ends the day 24-of-32 for 274 and two TDs. He also tosses his first INT of the year, but still takes a big step forward in this one.

Bonus Predictions: Rivera doesn’t call for a field goal from inside the 10 in this game. Washington’s offensive line struggles, but the gameplan protects them just enough. Chase Young gets 1.5 sacks.

Ronald Darby or Jimmy Moreland gets out-repped by Fabian Moreau. OBJ doesn’t throw a sideline tantrum. Washington covers (+7), but Cleveland holds on to win a bit of a shootout 34-31.