The main priority for Ron Rivera after becoming the head coach of the Washington Redskins is deciphering who to start at quarterback next season. Despite the media wanting an answer, Rivera is not going to rush a quarterback decision.
Last offseason, the Redskins signed Case Keenum to compete with Dwayne Haskins for the starting job. It's important to realize that Keenum was signed only due to the fact that Alex Smith suffered a compound fracture in his leg in 2018 and wasn't going to be able to suit up in 2019.
At the beginning of the season, Keenum was named the starting quarterback. As the season progressed, Keenum and Colt McCoy would start under center. Then, in Week 9, Haskins would finally make his first career start in the NFL.
The rookie signal-caller would start in seven games to end the season. In those seven games, the Ohio State product threw for 1,225 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions. At the least, Haskins began to show growth in the final weeks of the regular season.
Now, with Smith possibly making a miraculous comeback, Haskins will have to earn the starting job in 2020. Even though he'll be battling for the starting gig, Haskins seems excited about the opportunity.
“That's cool,” Haskins told reporters via John Keim of ESPN. “I'm going to have to work hard and eventually take it over. Just do your best to be accountable for what you have to do and be ready to go.
“[Rivera's] a guy who's going to hold you accountable and make sure you put the work in. I'm all for that. I'm excited.”
Rivera knows that it is vital to have a quarterback in place as soon as possible. Given Smith's timetable to return to the field, we likely won't see an official decision made closer to the start of next season.
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