Here they go again with no end game.
The Washington Football Team has benched 2019 first-round quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Not just benched, but exiled to third-string that’s not even active on game day. Ron Rivera becomes the second coach in two years not to play Haskins.
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The future is now in a pathetically-weak NFC East, so Rivera has opted for his former Carolina backup Kyle Allen to start against the Los Angeles Rams and make Alex Smith the backup. Haskins can carry a clipboard if he likes, though Washington should immediately open trade talks, given there's little chance the passer plays again in Washington, barring injuries to the other two quarterbacks.
Will this move Washington any closer to becoming a contender? Rivera thinks so. He has been lukewarm on Haskins since the coach's arrival in January. Without a preseason, Rivera was forced to give Haskins the opening month to prove himself. The 1-3 mark was largely reflective of Haskins' performance. He made some plays, but missed many more and obviously wasn’t the short-term answer.
Rivera needed to show owner Dan Snyder that Haskins wasn't ready. After all, Snyder considers himself a real judge of passers and chose Haskins last year 15th overall over his staff's objections. So, burn this pick just like Snyder choosing Patrick Ramsey over coach Steve Spurrier's objections, trading for Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb, and later drafting Robert Griffin III over coach Mike Shanahan's objections.
For those counting, that’s three first-rounders and a trade by Snyder that all failed miserably. The fear now is next spring will see Washington once more draft a quarterback. We can only hope the phone goes out on Snyder's yacht during the draft.
Washington moves on with Allen, who after a 4-0 start last season went 1-7 and cost Rivera his job in Carolina. Oh yeah, that’s confidence inspiring. Allen threw interceptions by the fistful last season that threatened sideline spectators. Maybe Rivera and offensive coordinator Scott Turner are more comfortable with Allen, but it's a short-term move.
Let's be real – this is all about getting to Smith. As dangerous as it seems, letting Smith return after a horrific 2018 broken leg that nearly cost his life and limb, Washington will seek the feel-good comeback story. Sure, doctors have cleared Smith. That is, until something bad happens and everybody points to others (See Griffin, Robert, 2012 playoffs).
A healthy 2018 Smith would have beaten Cleveland this season. Maybe Baltimore, too. Forget that the defensive line has been awful while Washington allowed 30 or more in three straight losses. A better quarterback might have Washington 2-2 or 3-1 to lead the division.
The schedule eases after the Rams. With two games versus the New York Giants and Dallas each, plus Cincinnati and Detroit, there's a chance for Washington to lead the NFC East after 10 games. Rivera is willing to sacrifice Haskins for that chance.
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After all, Washington has reached the postseason only five times in Snyder's 21-year tenure and next year means nothing. It's only the now. Look at the Washington Nationals' postseason run last year. They were at best third in the National League and survived every near elimination to take the crown. Get to the playoffs and see what happens.
But if Allen or Smith can't get Washington to the postseason, then Rivera will have burned another first-round passer for nothing, because Haskins can't return for 2021 after this. Better to try to trade him now for someone desperate like the New England Patriots for a third-rounder or so. Otherwise, it's a distraction.
If Snyder is a quarterback whisperer, we just heard a collective gasp. Once more, the team is spinning in different directions, but probably not forward.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks