



RICHMOND, Va. — Not since rookie Robert Griffin III graced FedEx Field with his dizzying footwork and array of athleticism have the Washington Redskins had a young quarterback they believed in and could build around.

For the first time in what feels like ages, the organization has a young arm it has the opportunity to mold from Day 1, a quarterback complete with the potential of a starter who can stand out for the next decade. The Dwayne Haskins era may begin with significantly less fanfare than Griffin’s captivating arrival courtesy of the No. 2 overall pick in 2012, but members of the Redskins organization are optimistic about everything Haskins can become.

His growth is paramount. And this upcoming season — whether he starts or sits and watches — will be critical to his development.

The disappointment that followed Griffin’s brief tenure, the acrimony of the failed Kirk Cousins relationship and the short-lived stability of Alex Smith’s veteran presence have now been replaced by a promising new figure: a 6-foot-4 former Ohio State quarterback.

But will Redskins coach Jay Gruden — the man charged with laying the foundation for the rookie’s success — still be here when Haskins develops into the starter the organization envisioned?

Another year, another starting quarterback for head coach Jay Gruden. It's unclear if the Week 1 starter will be rookie Dwayne Haskins. (Getty Images) More





Time is not on Gruden’s side. Even he doesn’t deny it.

The coach admits he craves a challenge, but the road ahead could be littered with unexpected turmoil, failed expectations and, ultimately, his dismissal.

Including a playoff loss, Gruden is 35-45-1 (a .438 winning percentage) and hasn’t had a winning season since Washington finished 8-7-1 in 2016.

In Year 6, he’s coaching for his job. And even he can’t deny it.

“You know what? When you sign a contract, it comes with the hot seat no matter what,” Gruden said of his tenuous tenure during an interview with Yahoo Sports after a recent training camp practice. “There have been coaches who have been fired after one year, coaches fired after two, three, four, five, six, 10. It doesn’t matter.

“This is a tough job. In a demanding market. A demanding owner. A demanding franchise. And that’s just what I signed up for. So I know the results are the most important thing. Winning playoff games. Super Bowls is what this team expects.”

Gruden then flashed a smile as the summer sun beat down on him.

“And we’ve got to get to it quickly. Or else.”

Despite rampant injuries in recent years and a lack of consistency at its most important position — quarterback — Gruden knows what’s at stake. And he believes there’s only one way to judge him in 2019.

“Wins and losses. Period,” Gruden matter of factly said. “That’s the only thing that matters, whether you’re playing a rookie, a seventh-year guy, a 10th-year guy at quarterback or you’re playing [two-time Pro Bowler Brandon] Scherff or you’re playing [undrafted Zac] Kerin at guard. We have to win.”

That’s easier said than done, however. Key questions about the Redskins’ offense will need to be answered over the next few weeks, including whether or not Haskins is ready for prime time and which left tackle will ultimately protect his starter’s blindside — Pro Bowler Trent Williams, who is currently M.I.A. due to rumored issues with his contract and the team’s medical staff, or worst-case scenario, Ereck Flowers, the underwhelming former New York Giant they signed in free agency.

But when the dust settles on Washington’s quarterback competition and Williams’ well-publicized holdout, the Redskins will embark on a difficult five-game stretch to start the season. Not to mention, the rival Dallas Cowboys (the defending NFC East champions) are the team to beat in the division and the Philadelphia Eagles (the Super Bowl champions in 2018) are expected to be improved this season.

Story continues