Washington Football Team: Breaking down the decision to bench Dwayne Haskins, start Kyle Allen
3. Haskins’ performance against the Browns was the beginning of the end
It’s abundantly clear that the game against the Browns was the beginning of the end for Haskins. Washington had a chance to beat the Browns, and they actually had a lead in both the first half and in the second half (20-17). However, they ended up surrendering 17 unanswered points to loss that game 34-20.
Haskins wasn’t the only reason Washington lost that contest. But he played a big part in the defeat.
Haskins turned the ball over a whopping four times and continued to have issues taking untimely sacks, which have been, arguably, the most problematic part of his performance through four games in 2020. But against Cleveland, the turnovers were the biggest issue as Haskins’ four giveaways led to 24 Browns points. For a team as short on talent as Washington is, those types of turnovers are insurmountable.
More from Commanders News
- What will Emmanuel Forbes bring to the Washington Commanders?
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
The Cleveland game was the worst of Haskins’ career. If he avoids a couple of bad turnovers, the outcome could’ve been entirely different. That performance is what prompted Rivera to meet with his quarterback to let him know his leash was short. But in reality, Rivera’s mind may have been made up.
Haskins was solid against the Ravens. He wasn’t spectacular. He didn’t make many big plays, but he completely avoided turnovers and racked up 314 passing yards during the contest. Yes, he had a few sacks including a very bad one that knocked the team out of scoring range. He also threw the ball short of the end-zone on a fourth-and-goal from the 15 when down by 18 points, so that wasn’t ideal.
That game alone wasn’t a bench-worthy performance. And had the top of the NFC East not been within reach, this move probably doesn’t get made. But it’s evident that the loss to the Browns left a bad taste in the mouth of Rivera and the only thing that would’ve made him consider starting Haskins in Week 5 would have been an unexpectedly superlative effort against the Ravens.