While off-field actions have gotten plenty of attention, the on-field performance from Washington Redskins rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins has left many worried.
The No. 15 overall pick in the draft got his first win in Sunday against the Detroit Lions, but the QB didn't leave many enthused.
The numbers were less than ideal: Just 13 completions on 29 passes for 156 yards (a paltry 5.4 yards per attempt), no touchdowns and two turnovers (a fumble and a pick). Haskins finished with a QBR of 28.3 and a rating of 47.5. (Meanwhile, Steven Sims, who threw one incompletion on a gadget play, finished with a rating of 39.6.)
And Haskins' performance in just his third NFL start is a real Rorschach test: Do you see a QB just not making accurate throws, but making the right decision? Or a young QB who is in over his head and still learning on the job?
There is plenty of support for both options and that's OK for a rookie passer.
Judging by Redskins Twitter, there are two distinct camps around Dwayne Haskins. One group thinks he’s infallible and the other already believes he can’t play. Surely there is a middle ground. It’s been 3 games.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS)
November 25, 2019 "He overthrew a few, and we had some receivers that were open, and I think he might have overloaded or his arm might have been too strong at times," interim head coach Bill Callahan said. "But I think we can all see the talent that he has, and I’m speaking of arm talent and his ability to connect downfield, intermediate, deep."
The film shows a lot of what Callahan said. In the red zone, Haskins could hit Steven Sims quickly in the flat, but turns to find Terry McLaurin open in end zone. However, the throw let him down.
Great play design here by the #Redskins. Have Sims fake the end around, peels off back to the same side. Haskins works right, comes back across to McLaurin who is wide open for a TD, simply missed him. pic.twitter.com/SMTbEcwhyz
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL)
November 24, 2019 The play didn’t work because of a rushed throw. But man this was a good design. Three defenders eye Sims at the snap. Speed. Playmaker. They knew. Creates confusion and traffic. McLaurin creates gap by using LB as a pick. Slay runs into a teammate. Open. Tough miss. pic.twitter.com/rJHbGljY04
— John Keim (@john_keim)
November 25, 2019 And Haskins struggled getting the ball to his former Ohio State teammate all game. And that's annoying for Redskins fans. Here McLaurin beats the corner, draws the safety over the top, but is open down the field. The pass let Haskins down.
Another solid route by McLaurin, Haskins' deep ball accuracy was always one of my biggest concerns after studying him in college. Missed McLaurin again here #Redskins pic.twitter.com/D1DZWjCQqt
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL)
November 24, 2019 Late 4th quarter, Haskins has McLaurin open for the go-ahead touchdown but overthrows him.
#Redskins have been trying to hit this slot fade to McLaurin all game. It's been there too, this time it would have been a TD, but Haskins missed it again. Skins have to settle for a FG pic.twitter.com/x61Y4NLGRO
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL)
November 24, 2019 And while Haskins is the focus, McLaurin deserves special mention for hitting the ground running and has turned into a super find in the third round of the draft. The matchup against Lions corner Darius Slay was a particually tight battle.
Terry McLaurin vs. Darius Slay was must-watch TV, today. pic.twitter.com/gU9Gbv6WAV
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle)
November 25, 2019 Haskins targeted McLaurin 12 during Week 12 and he finished with 72 yards on five catches. One aspect that doesn't help the young quarterback: The Redskins do not have a tight end who can help in the passing game. Jeremy Sprinkle was targeted twice and had one catch.
"My philosophy going into that game was to never underthrow Terry because of how good the corner (Slay) was," Haskins said. "I placed the ball pretty good so if I was going to miss, I was going to miss deep and out wide so (Slay) wouldn’t have the opportunity to put his hands on the ball. We talked about it, I missed him and we could have connected on some of those. But he still had five catches for 72 yards, and he makes great plays, makes uncontested catches. He does not care who is guarding him, he is going to win, so that’s why I’m proud of him.”
And then there was the 4th quarter interception: Not good placement on the pass.
Wanted to see this on replay before throwing it out there but yeah. This ball has to be outside. Feels like he hasn’t hit an out breaking route all day. https://t.co/jFwrHFyiye
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman)
November 24, 2019 However, there are were some good plays from Haskins. While not a runner by any stretch of the imagination, the young quarterback does well to slide in the pocket away from pressure and use his legs to convert on third down in the first quarter.
Lions sent the slot corner on a blitz, something the Jets did a lot last week. Haskins stepped up and out as he scrambled for the 1st down on 3rd and long #Redskins pic.twitter.com/nyXbECUscB
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL)
November 24, 2019 Here is a long completion on a third down early in the game.
Thought this was Haskins’ best throw of the day. 3rd & 9. #Redskins run a post-wheel-hook combo to the trips side with McLaurin on a basic on the back side. Haskins quickly processes Lions have trips side covered, moves on to McLaurin, resets, hits him for a 1st down. pic.twitter.com/YkYYkq0LZi
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL)
November 26, 2019 And from the Lions' 38-yard line on third-and-5, Haskins did very well to climb the pocket and deliever a 17-yard gain to set up Dustin Hopkins' game-winning field goal.
Big spot. McLaurin. Again. Hell of a play by 7 too to manipulate the pocket and get that off.Horrible clock management though. Haskins needs to get up there and spike it instead of celebrating. Time and score man.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman)
November 24, 2019 Good poise in the pocket on 3rd and 5 from Haskins, who has Flowers run into him as he steps up to make his throw. Still finds McLaurin on the crosser for the first down to put the #Redskins in field goal range pic.twitter.com/1YTvRxIrzQ
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL)
November 24, 2019 After the game, it truly meant a lot: A celebration with offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell, before one with the fans.
Some strong emotions from Haskins on the sidelines after the #Redskins take the lead late. Hugs from OC Kevin O'Connell and RT Morgan Moses pic.twitter.com/OHl8N2pnig
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL)
November 24, 2019 Follow @BenKrimmel and @1067theFan on Twitter.
