Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins is scheduled to make his second consecutive start in Week 12 during a matchup with the Detroit Lions. All eyes are going to be glued on the former Ohio State standout.
So how is he going to perform on Sunday? Let's breakdown three things that you should watch with Haskins.
3. Will the offensive line block better?
Starting as a rookie quarterback in the NFL is tough, and it's even worse when the offensive line isn't blocking. In his last start against the New York Jets, Haskins was sacked six times. A video emerged from the sideline of Haskins asking his offensive line what he could do to help them with protection.
"What do I have to do to help you?"
-Dwayne Haskins (@dh_simba7) pleading to the #Redskins O-line #HTTR pic.twitter.com/5UAouDHXYq— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) November 17, 2019
The Lions are not a productive team when it comes to sacks this season as they have totaled just 20 sacks (28th) so far. That might not matter a whole lot against the Redskins though, because they allowed the Jets to have a field day and they only had 19 sacks entering the matchup.
There is undoubtedly going to be extra emphasis from the Redskins when it comes to pass blocking for Haskins. It would be a big help for his game if he isn't under pressure the entire game.
2. Can Haskins take better care of the football?
So far this season, Haskins has thrown five interceptions with one of those coming in his most recent performance against the Jets. The Lions are dead last this season in interceptions sitting with only three. The Lions pass defense is terrible, which means this should be a game where Haskins can find some sort of success.
Against the Jets, Haskins threw for 214 yards and two touchdowns and there isn't any reason against this Redskins defense he can't at least match those numbers.
1. Haskins and Terry McLaurin connection
Haskins and Terry McLaurin played together at Ohio State and were an unstoppable connection. While it has taken just a little bit of time, the duo is picking up right where they left off during their final season of NCAA football.
This one was called back, but a good glimpse of what Dwayne Haskins is capable. Play-action, steps up and out of the pocket to avoid pressure, fires a bomb down the field to Terry McLaurin #Redskins pic.twitter.com/TH3O02nw5u
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) November 17, 2019
The play above was called back because of a penalty, but it shows the potential of how prominent the two could become in the NFC East for years to come.
Against the Jets, McLaurin finished with three catches for 69 yards and Haskins should be looking for him a lot against the Lions. If both players can be on the same page and hit on a couple of long throws, the Redskins could win this game.
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