RICHMOND — The Redskins quarterback competition is still wide open after Thursday’s 30-10 preseason loss to the Cleveland Browns, but coach Jay Gruden said Saturday he wants one of his signal-callers to separate themselves from the pack.
Case Keenum got the start Thursday and went 4-of-9 for 60 yards, while rookie Dwayne Haskins threw for 117 yards and tossed two interceptions. Veteran Colt McCoy (leg) was also withheld from the Browns game as a precaution.
Gruden said it was too soon to make any conclusions about the battle, given the Redskins have three more preseason games ahead.
“I’m hoping that somebody takes it over,” Gruden said. “That’s what we’re hoping for, but all three of these guys are good players and they’re going to make their share of great throws and great plays. We just have to continue to monitor them and figure out who gives us the best chance at winning (the season opener) against Philly.”
After reviewing the tape, Gruden expressed confidence in both Keenum and Haskins. Gruden said he was impressed with Keenum, who oversaw three drives and hit a wide-open Robert Davis for a 46-yard touchdown. He also highlighted a 10-yard scramble from Keenum that allowed the Redskins to get a first down.
“I thought he moved the ball pretty well,” Gruden said.
As for Haskins, Gruden said he thought the rookie’s tempo was “really good.” He added there were was a lot to build on. Haskins played 33 snaps through two quarters. At times, he looked great — displaying impressive arm strength — while he struggled at others.
On both his interceptions, Haskins anticipated where the receiver was supposed to be and released the ball, before checking to see if his teammate was open. For instance, on his first turnover, Davis was supposed to pick Byron Marshall’s defender to free up the running back, but didn’t. Haskins threw the ball anyway, tossing it straight to linebacker Mack Wilson, who was covering Marshall.
Haskins told reporters he thought his debut was a “good experience.” The 22-year-old finished 8 of 14 for 117 yards. He was also sacked twice.
“He came in there second quarter and put a couple back-to-back passes that were really nice out there. He had a couple of turnovers, which hurt him,” Gruden said. “The big thing is we’re trying to really get corrected is just everything – his fundamentals, protections and all that stuff which will come. But, for his first game, I thought he handled the pressure, the noise, the cadence, the huddle, the tempo I thought was really good, so there is a lot to build on.
“Obviously, some correctable things with everybody on offense. We’ll just go back to work.”
The Redskins’ offense wasn’t much better in practice Saturday. Haskins threw three interceptions — two of which were back-to-back in seven-on-seven drills — and McCoy tossed two.
For now, Washington’s quarterback competition appears to be far from over.
“There’s still a lot of ball left to be played, lot of passes, lot of things, lot of situational work we still have to do, a couple more games left, three games left,” Gruden said. “There’s more work to be had.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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