The Washington Redskins understand Dwayne Haskins needs to develop. When the Ohio State product was drafted with the 15th overall pick in April, coach Jay Gruden said Haskins had all the physical tools to be a successful NFL quarterback, but made it clear they were going to take their time with the 22-year-old.
Based on his first preseason game, Haskins didn’t give the Redskins a reason to change their approach.
In Thursday’s 30-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, Haskins was uneven in two quarters of playing time — making an impressive series of throws, while badly missing the mark on others. The quarterback was picked off twice — including one returned for a touchdown — and sacked twice. He finished 8-for-14 for 117 yards with just a 44.9 quarterback rating.
Haskins’ performance reflected how the quarterback has largely performed in training camp. There are moments of brilliance and other times he looks very much like a rookie.
On his first throw of the night, Haskins wowed — rolling out to his right on a play-action pass and finding Darvin Kidsy for a 27-yard completion. Two plays later, he delivered another dime to Kidsy, this time for 32 yards. Both throws demonstrated Haskins’ undeniable arm talent.
Haskins’ roll, however, was short-lived. Upon his completion to Kidsy, the Browns immediately forced a turnover. When Haskins returned on his following drive, he misread a route from running back Byron Marshall — tossing a pass right to Browns linebacker Mack Wilson for a pick-6.
. @Redskins rookie QB Dwayne Haskins throws his first @NFL pick six pic.twitter.com/ieiJIvRqA7
— The Fantasy Source 🏈 (@FantasySource_) August 9, 2019
It was an ugly throw, but not as ugly as Haskins’ second interception. In the second quarter, Haskins sailed a pass high and wide past tight end Matt Flanagan and right into the arms of a Cleveland defender.
O-H, N-O: Dwayne Haskins throws his 2nd interception of the night. Finishes the half 5-8, 90 yards and 2 INT. #Redskins trail the Browns 17-7 at halftime @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/1Qu00BGoQB
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) August 9, 2019
As far as handling play-calls and protections, Haskins said he misread one play in which he should have flipped the protection. But because he didn’t, safety Juston Burris had a clear shot on the quarterback and delivered a crunching hit.
The Redskins, though, aren’t going to panic based on Haskins’ debut. Haskins started just 14 games at Ohio State, and Washington knows Haskins will have to work through his mistakes. The preseason is valuable time for the rookie — which is why it’s a positive that Haskins played two quarters.
Haskins first entered the game with 14:50 left in the second and didn’t exit until the end of the third.
The Redskins have praised Haskins for his composure, and the rookie will get another chance to bounce back next week against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“I had some good plays to learn from,” Haskins told reporters in Cleveland. “It was a good experience.”
Here are some other takeaways:
Line issues
The Redskins’ make-shift offensive line didn’t have the start they wanted. While three starters — Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff and Morgan Moses — were all held out, it was important for tackle Geron Christian and guard Ereck Flowers to make an impact on the left side of the line. Instead, both linemen got called for holding on Washington’s opening drive.
The People’s Corner
Jimmy Moreland’s nickname is The People’s Corner in part because his playmaking ability has quickly won over fans. He didn’t disappoint in his preseason debut — making three consecutive plays in the end zone, including forcing a fumble on fourth-and-goal to prevent a touchdown. Despite being only 5-foot-10, Moreland uses his physicality extremely well, particularly his hands. Moreland also forced another fumble in the second half.
Keenum fine in limited appearance
Case Keenum got the start and did well in his limited playing time. The veteran appeared in three series, going 4-of-9 for 60 yards and a touchdown. The majority of Keenum’s yards came in the first quarter when he hit a wide-open Robert Davis for a 46-yard touchdown. Keenum also did a nice job of recognizing pressure and avoided being sacked. We’ll see if Keenum gets another start next week, or if Colt McCoy (leg) gets the nod after he was held out this week for precautionary reasons.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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