For any rookie quarterback who is thrown into the fire during his first season in the NFL, there are going to be a lot of highs and lows. A lot of throws he wishes he could have back, but several flashes of competence that show hope for the future. For Washington Redskins rookie QB Dwayne Haskins, the 2019 season was full of those moments, but the lows, unfortunately, outweighed the highs. There were interceptions, misreads, sacks taken, and pleas unheard. For every two great passes he made, there were probably five balls that Haskins sailed, and an interception to go along with it.
Of the numerous concerning moments during Haskins rookie season, probably the most shameful act came off of the field, ironically during his first career win against the Detroit Lions. While the offense was taking the field for the final kneel down of the game, Haskins was nowhere to be found. Instead of celebrating the mile mark with his teammates, he was in the stands, taking a selfie with some fans. Of course, he apologized and it was eventually brushed off as a rookie mistake — something that would never happen again. Still, it shows a personality trait from Haskins that might stick around throughout his career.
“Dwayne likes the social media,” former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said, via NBC Sports Washington. “He’s all over the social media. I worry about that a little bit.”
In today’s day and age, it’s hard to find a professional athlete in his early 20’s who isn’t constantly on social media. Haskins isn’t unique in his love for Twitter and Instagram, but it does have a chance to affect him more than it would others. Standing in a place of severe scrutiny, where many threw punches after he was “drafted too early,” claiming that he wasn’t ready for the big leagues and he was an instant bust before his first season ended, Dwayne is in a place where boo-birds live. Criticism of Haskins has been ever-present in his career, and social media is where it comes from.
So how can a young player change his ways and block some of that noise out? Meyer suggests following after one of the elder statesmen of the game.
“I like the Tom Brady approach,” Meyer said. “Just focus on your team.”
One of several things that Haskins could pick up from the living GOAT.
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