RICHMOND — If fan reactions determined a starter, the Redskins quarterback competition would already be over.
As Dwayne Haskins delivered a dime to Robert Davis on a deep pass in one-on-one drills Friday, those watching at the Bon Secours Redskins Training Center erupted when the rookie quarterback found his target. Through two days of practices, Haskins has received similar reactions whenever he does something noteworthy. Such fanfare reflects the buzz that typically comes with a first-round quarterback.
The hype, however, won’t put Haskins any closer to actually winning the job.
Coach Jay Gruden said Friday he doesn’t feel pressure to start Haskins in Week 1 — despite how emotionally invested fans (and perhaps even the team) are in the quarterback.
“I feel pressure to play the best guy,” Gruden said. “That’s all I care about right now. … It’s interesting, man. It’s actually fun. These guys are competing. They’re doing well mentally and physically.”
Haskins represents hope for a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2005 season. He not only has local ties after going to high school in Potomac, Maryland, but owner Dan Snyder also reportedly exerted his influence in making sure the Redskins got their quarterback of the future. For now, Washington is all-in with Haskins.
But the Redskins are willing to be patient. Gruden said this week the quarterback battle could go down to the Saturday before Washington opens the season in Philadelphia on Sept. 8.
To win the job, Gruden said consistency is key — and so far, Haskins has struggled in that regard.
On Thursday, the first-rounder mistimed his snap count, causing the offensive line to commit a false start. The following day, after a missed pass, Haskins and Gruden spent some time going over where the rookie should have thrown the ball instead. Those moments can happen to any quarterback, but they’re part of the rookie’s adjustment to the NFL.
Haskins, though, realizes his mistakes are part of the learning process.
While the quarterback acknowledged he would like to start Week 1, he emphasized the bigger picture is for him to be ready to play.
“Consistency for me is calling every play right in the huddle, operating at the line of scrimmage, getting the ball and just ripping it,” Haskins said. “That’s what I need to focus on every time I get the play, is relaxing and going out and playing ball.”
Haskins has yet to receive reps with Washington’s starting offense in 11-on-11 drills, but he has faced the starting defense on occasion. In seven-on-seven periods, Haskins has also gotten the chance to throw to other starters like Josh Doctson and Jordan Reed.
Haskins’ chance to take starting reps in team drills could be coming soon. Through the first two days, the Redskins have had a different signal-caller start with the first-team — with Case Keenum getting the majority of reps Thursday, then Colt McCoy taking most of the starting snaps on Friday.
Until then, the Redskins have been impressed with the way Haskins has been able to keep his composure.
“The main thing I want to point out about Dwayne is he’s very mature,” running back Derrius Guice said. “For a quarterback getting in here and getting it down early, he’s very mature. … He knows what’s going on.”
“He’s got great poise for a young player,” Gruden said. “You watch him in college, he had great poise. … He’s got a great demeanor about himself. I don’t think he lets one play affect his next play, which is very very important for a quarterback in the National Football League.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.