Redskins quarterback Case Keenum was benched on Sunday in favor of rookie Dwayne Haskins after he threw an interception early in Washington’s loss to the New York Giants, but that does not necessarily mean the veteran has lost his starting job going forward.
Following his team’s 24-3 loss, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said it would be premature to say the Haskins era has begun in Washington. He would not rule out Keenum starting against the New England Patriots in Week 5.
“You’re not just handed the keys because of where you were drafted,” Gruden said. “You have to earn the right. I think he’ll continue to get better and better, but I have to look right now at who gives us the best chance to win against the Patriots.”
Sunday was a bad day all around for the Redskins, and that included Haskins. He completed 9-of-17 passes for 107 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. The rookie also took two sacks, so his debut could have gone much better.
The Patriots have had the best defense in the NFL through the first four games, so they will present a huge challenge for Keenum or Haskins. There have been rumblings that Washington’s coaches and front office are at odds over who the team’s quarterback should be, though Haskins tried to put those rumblings to rest.
