Dwayne Haskins Discusses Benching in Week 16

Washington Football Team’s quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. has struggled to reach the expectations of being a franchise quarterback since he was drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, in fact he’s struggled to stay on the field as his performance under center has been lackluster at best.

Haskins was benched during the fourth quarter of Washington’s loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, completing only 14 of his 28 passes for 154 yards to go along with two interceptions.

“Definitely the hardest week of my life. I just want to bounce back and move forward and pray and get my life together,” Haskins said, according to ESPN’s John Keim. “I can’t really put into words how I’m feeling right now.”

Now, Washington head coach Ron Rivera will have to hope that veteran Alex Smith can return from his strained right calf to play the Philadelphia Eagles in the season finale, with a shot at the playoffs on the line. If not, Rivera may not have many options.

“You sign up for this job, so it is what it is,” said Haskins, who spoke to reporters from his home after Sunday’s loss. “Sometimes being human isn’t enough. You’ve got to own up to your responsibilities and mistakes and put your best foot forward and pray for an opportunity. … You never know when you’ll get another one.”

“We didn’t get anything going, so I decided to make the change,” Rivera said of benching Haskins.

“We just weren’t clicking,” Haskins said. “I wish I could go back and change some things, but it’s over with now.”