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Washington benches Dwayne Haskins, names Kyle Allen starting QB vs. Rams

https://www.nfl.com/news/washington-kyle-allen-starting-quarterback-rams-in-week-5-dwayne-haskins?campaign=Twitter_atn

Ron Rivera’s “cut-off point” for Dwayne Haskins was four games, apparently.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that Washington made a QB switch, benching Haskins and handing the reins to Kyle Allen for Sunday’s game against the L.A. Rams, per a source informed of the situation. Alex Smith will be the backup, the team announced.

The move is a swift turn from the former first-round pick, who has started 11 total games in his young career over two seasons. Just last week, Rivera noted he was committed to Haskins after a three-pick performance. Commitment is fleeting in the NFL.

Haskins is coming off his first career 300-plus yard passing game in the 31-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The 23-year-old set career highs in attempts (45), completions (32), pass yards (314) and completion percentage (71.1, min 20 attempts) in Week 4.

The inconsistencies, however, have been glaring.

Haskins too often glares at his first read like it’s a staring contest, which either leads the defense right to the play or throws off the timing with the rest of the routes if he finally moves on in his progression. His footwork still gets wonky at times, which leads to overthrows or mistargeted worm-burners. Through four games, Haskins has thrown for 939 yards with 4 TDs to 3 INTs and he’s taken 13 sacks (on pace for 52 over 16 games). Next Gen Stats ranks Haskins as a -27.4 EPA (expected points added) through the first month, fourth-worst among QBs with at least 50 pass attempts. His -6.6 completion percentage over expected is second-worst, ahead of only Broncos QB Jeff Driskel, who was benched after 64 attempts.

There have been flashes of potential from Haskins’ big arm, and he has made strides within Washington’s new offense, but apparently, those positives weren’t enough to give the first-rounder a longer leash.

Rivera turns to Allen, who he brought with him from Carolina. The coach spoke highly of Allen after trading for the Panthers backup QB, often suggesting this offseason that Allen could start in D.C. Most took that as coach-speak to keep a fire lit under Haskins. After just four games, Rivera turns to the third-year pro.

Allen started 13 games for the Panthers from 2018-2019, earning a 61.9 completion percentage, 250.4 passing yards per game, and a 19-15 TD-INT ratio as a starter. Carolina went 6-7 in his starts.

Last year after taking over for Cam Newton in Week 3, things started great for Allen, as he helped the Panthers to four straight wins under Rivera, and the QB tossed 7 TDs to 0 INTs with a 106.6 passer rating. It all fell apart down the stretch as Carolina lost six straight games with Allen as the starter from Weeks 10-15. During that run of losses, Rivera was fired. After a good first month, Allen went 1-7 as a starter the rest of 2019 with 10 TDs, 15 INTs and a 70.9 passer rating.

Clearly, Rivera believes Allen can run Scott Turner’s offense more efficiently. The team must feel that Allen’s struggles down the stretch were a product of the surrounding situation in Carolina, not the fact that the rest of the league caught on that the QB struggled when his first read was taken away and had problems handling pressure.

Allen’s familiarly with Turner’s offense should be an asset out of the gate Sunday against the Rams.

If Allen struggles, the question is whether Rivera might turn back to Haskins after letting the second-year signal-caller watch from the bench for a few games. Or, perhaps, Washington might turn to veteran Smith, who remains on the active roster as he continues to make his way back from a gruesome leg injury.

Rams travel to Washington Football Team aiming for NFC East sweep

https://www.therams.com/news/first-look-rams-washington-week-5

Following a brief return to SoFi Stadium, the Rams (3-1) head back on the road to face the Washington Football Team (1-3) on Sunday in Week 5, seeking to go 4-0 against the NFC East this season. Kickoff from FedEx Field is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. pacific time on FOX.

In advance of the contest, here is your first look at Rams-Washington on Oct. 11, including notable Washington additions, some of Washington’s top statistical performers in Week 4 and key storylines:

Notable Washington additions

Drafted defensive end Chase Young second overall in this year’s draft. The Ohio State product made 8 total tackles and 2.5 sacks before sustaining a groin injury in Washington’s Week 3 loss to the Browns. That same injury also kept him out of their Week 4 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Washington head coach Ron Rivera told reporters last week that Young would be re-evaluated this week.

Signed cornerback Kendall Fuller to a four-year deal in March. Though he missed the first two weeks of the season due to injury, Fuller has quickly made up for lost time. Just recently, he had a pair of interceptions in Washington’s Week 4 loss to Baltimore and was named to Pro Football Focus’ Team of the Week for his overall performance. Those two picks lead Washington’s defense on the season.

Top Performers in Week 4

QB Dwayne Haskins completed 32 of 45 pass attempts for 314 yards in Washington’s 31-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He did not throw a touchdown or an interception.

Rookie RB Antonio Gibson paced Washington’s backfield with a team-high 13 carries for 46 yards and one touchdown. He also did damage as a receiver with four catches for 82 yards, second only to WR Terry McLaurin’s 118 on 10 catches.

Besides Fuller’s two interceptions, veteran linebacker Jon Bostic’s 14 combined tackles led Washington’s defense.

On special teams, kicker Dustin Hopkins made 1 of 2 field goal attempts and both of his extra point attempts.

Early storylines to watch, and what they mean for the Rams

The Washington Football Team, in some ways, is similar to the Giants.

Like the Giants, Washington has struggled with giveaways. Its eight so far are tied with the Giants and the Denver Broncos for third-most in the league. At the same time, Washington has still been able to create takeaways – its six through four weeks are tied with the Bills, Rams, Titans and Jets for ninth-most in the league.

Washington’s offense also has two dynamic playmakers who can stress defenses in McLaurin and Gibson. McLaurin has averaged 15.5 yards per catch in 18 career games so far, while Gibson took a screen pass 40 yards against the Ravens last week.

So while the Rams’ defense will have its opportunities to force turnovers, of perhaps greater importance will be their offense’s ability to score points off those turnovers and take care of the football, simultaneously keeping the ball out of the hands of McLaurin and Gibson.

Additionally, Young’s status will be important to monitor. If he is in position to return against Los Angeles, it would provide a big boost to Washington’s pass rush and obviously impact L.A.’s pass protection plans.