The Washington Redskins first two preseason games of 2019 haven't gone to plan, as they're 0-2. There's a lot more to the preseason than records though. A lot of it is player evaluation and improving talent.
For the Redskins, the player they're most concerned with is Dwayne Haskins. The rookie quarterback was selected in the first-round (15th overall) of this year's NFL Draft.
Although he might not be the starter at the beginning of the regular season, Haskins has definitely done a lot to show he's going to be great in the future. Sure, he's shown he's raw right now but that arm talent and maturity has shown through.
What exactly should you be looking for out of him now though as the Redskins square off with the Atlanta Falcons in the third week of the preseason?
Here are three things to watch for from Washington Redskins rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins in his third preseason game.
3. Pocket Presence
Something that's been most impressive has been the pocket awareness of Dwayne Haskins. Despite being a rookie, he's shown very little panic in the pocket. This, of course, is referring mainly to that incredible touchdown pass.
The pocket collapsed around Haskins but he held his ground and got rid of the ball at the last second, completing a beautiful 55-yard touchdown pass.
That's not the only instance though. Haskins has consistently shown solid awareness, knowing when to scramble and when to stay in the pocket.
Added to the impressiveness is his scrambling ability. Maybe felt Haskins' biggest downfall would be his immobility but he's shown that was drastically overblown. No, he's not going to blow you away with his speed, but he's not slow and he shows great escapability.
If Haskins can continue to show pocket awareness he'll prove he's closer getting even closer to being the full-time starter.
2. Consistency
Through two games, Dwayne Haskins has looked pretty solid overall. Although the Washington Redskins are 0-2, you have to be impressed with his play.
That being said, there is somewhat of a consistency problem. In his first game, it creeped out in the form of two interceptions.
Last week he managed to cut back and throw no interceptions, however he went just 7-for-14. Haskins threw for 114 yards and one touchdown but 55 of those yards and that touchdown came on one throw. That left just 59 yards over his other 13 attempts.
Haskins has all the talent in the world, but is still just 22. He's a very raw player who will be fun to watch grow. However, for now he's still got a lot of growing to do. A big part of that is that consistency.
Haskins definitely improved by losing the interceptions over the week and tossing a touchdown pass. The completion percentage was down, but not by much. This was clearly a step in the right direction.
Haskins needs to continue that growth though.
That means showing he can put together good long drives and complete passes in bunches.
1. Find a Favorite Receiver
If we're being honest, Terry McLaurin will probably be Dwayne Haskins' favorite receiver. The Washington Redskins' rookie duo played together at Ohio State.
However, McLaurin isn't playing this preseason – he's also just one receiver. Haskins will need a few.
With that in mind, it would be great for the rookie to find another favorite target. Last week, no one had more than two receptions on the Redskins. While that kind of diversity is great (and it makes sense in a preseason game where a lot of players get playing time), it also means Haskins isn't building an in-game rapport with anyone in particular.
The Washington Redskins believe they have their franchise quarterback in Dwayne Haskins. He needs some franchise targets to go along for the ride with him.
That search can start this Thursday.
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