The Washington Football Team dropped to 1-1 after a 30-15 loss at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals led 20-0 at the half and never looked back. After an “Alex Smith” like performance in Week 1, where he committed zero turnovers and threw for 178 yards, Dwayne Haskins finished Sunday’s game 19 for 33 with 233 yards, one touchdown, and a lost fumble. It was pretty ugly for Haskins early, but in the second half, whether that be due to a Cardinals defense playing with a lead, or adjustments at half-time, Haskins looked more comfortable and threw the ball well to end the game.
Dwayne Haskins Struggles Early, but Improves Late in Up and Down Loss to Cardinals
Accuracy Issues Persisted in the First Half
Although Dwayne Haskins did not make major mistakes last week, accuracy was a major issue early, and that continued this week. Haskins started missing a couple of open receivers such as Dontrelle Inman on a pair of third and two’s. On his first one, Haskins missed low on the pass. On the second, that would’ve been called back on a penalty had it been completed, Haskins completely missed a wide-open Inman on a bootleg to the right side. It seems as if Haskins still has footwork issues to clean up as he seemed to move his feet a bit too much at times and throw off of his back foot a bit like last week.
Like last week, Haskins looked much better in no-huddle situations and quick passing plays. However, this brand is not sustainable throughout the game. Part of this may be due to the offensive line as Haskins could not step into his throws at times, including a misfire to Terry McLaurin with pressure up the middle. Despite the accuracy issues, Washington fans need to continue to be patient with Haskins as he is only in his ninth career start in the NFL after just one year in college.
Offensive Line Issues Paired With Mistakes
There was no question that coming into the game, one of the concerns was the offensive lines, especially the left side. The offensive line struggled today, but Haskins did himself no favors by turning the ball over on a fumble, and taking a critical sack to get out of field goal range. Haskins was sacked four times. Even the reliable Brandon Scherff, who left the game with what seemed to be a knee injury, and Chase Roullier were beat on more than one occasion, adding to the offensive line woes. After a Landon Collins interception in the first quarter, Washington was in prime position to tie the game, but Haskins was strip-sacked by Jordan Phillips to give the ball right back. This was a situation where Haskins should’ve tucked the ball while being under duress.
Another critical juncture in the game was at the 6:45 mark in the second quarter, when Washington had sustained its first quality drive. They marched 42 yards down the field to the Arizona 33 yard line. However, Haskins tried to make a play, but was sacked, taking a seven-yard loss, by Haason Reddick. Haskins should’ve thrown the ball away to set-up a makeable 50-yard field goal for Dustin Hopkins. This will most likely come with time, as young quarterbacks often try to make the spectacular play, rather than the smart, but bland play.
Opening up in the Second Half
Down 20-0 at the half, Haskins turned to his Ohio State teammate, Terry McLaurin, to lead Washington to three quality drives in the second half. Washington scored on their last three possessions (not including the final one with 26 seconds remaining), with two touchdowns and a field goal. Haskins got into a rhythm in the short passing game with a barrage of slants and skinny posts, mostly to Terry McLaurin. It was not a coincidence that this occurred when Washington got the running game going with J.D. McKissic. Dontrelle Inman also got into the action with a big 14-yard completion on third and ten.
In addition to the short passing game, Haskins also opened up with more deep and intermediate shots. First, he took a deep shot to Terry McLaurin in man-to-man coverage. Although it was incomplete, it was a catchable ball, albeit a touch catch. Taking more shots like this down the field will do wonders for the Washington offense. First, they could eventually connect on a deep ball to boost an offense that doesn’t have the personnel to go up and down the field with 10-12 play drives on a consistent basis. Secondly, and more importantly, it will open up the run game for McKissic and Antonio Gibson. Towards the end of the fourth quarter, he hit Steven Sims on a 30-yard play to set up an 11-yard touchdown run by Antonio Gibson.
Last Word on Dwayne Haskins
After major struggles throughout the first half, Haskins looked to turn a corner after the first drive after halftime. He showed confidence with a few deep shots, and trusted his playmakers, especially McLaurin, to make plays after the catch. Part of this could be due to prevent defense by Arizona, but Haskins was on target throughout the second half. He did have struggles with footwork for the second week in a row, but this should be correctable as the season moves on. As Haskins keeps on building confidence, like he did throughout the second half, he should eventually be consistently showing off that big arm that made him a first-round pick from Ohio State. Despite the disappointing loss after the Week 1 win, fans should remain patient with Haskins heading into Week 3.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
