Redskins have a plan: Colt McCoy to start at quarterback against Patriots
The Redskins have a plan at quarterback – just not necessarily a promising one. Colt McCoy is officially going to start against the Patriots.
Colt McCoy of the Washington Redskins makes a pass during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesBy Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Earlier this week, the Redskins made headlines when head coach Jay Gruden said the Redskins have no plan at quarterback. Now, well ... I mean they have one.
The team confirmed reports on Friday that Colt McCoy will start at QB against the Patriots on Sunday at FedEx Field. Gruden could not commit to a starter as recently as Wednesday. When asked about the team's plans at QB during a conference call, Gruden said: "We don't have one right now. I'm going to go out here and practice today. We have individual and a little bit of work we're going to do and we'll see the health of the guys, first of all. We'll see where Dwayne [Haskins]'s at, and we'll make a decision shortly."
Starting McCoy is probably the most prudent move for Gruden. Throwing the rookie Haskins to the wolves against a Patriots defense that leads the NFL in points allowed (6.8 per game), opposing passer rating (41.0), and interceptions (10) might throw him into a tailspin before his career even gets started. Case Keenum missed the all-important Wednesday practice and has been spotted in a walking boot.
McCoy, meanwhile, is probably a better bet to take care of the football and avoid disastrous mistakes that would be almost inevitable with Haskins. And that's despite fumbling three times and throwing five interceptions in his last seven appearances (76.5 passer rating).
So, yeah, it's a plan. Doesn't mean it's one that's going to work for them. But this is what the Redskins are left with at quarterback. With the Patriots coming to D.C., the turmoil couldn't have come at a worse time for them.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
