The Facts: When the Redskins elected to trade for Allen instead of bringing in a more proven veteran, it signaled the starting quarterback job was Dwayne Haskins' to lose. Allen, however, isn't going quietly without a fight. "I think the expectation is to come in and compete for the job," he said in a Tuesday conference call, via the Richmond Times-Dispatch. "I think that's an awesome opportunity."
Diehards Line:
One thing working in Allen's favor is his familiarity with new Redskins HC Ron Rivera and OC Scott Turner. With NFL offices shut down due to COVID-19 lockdowns, Allen believes his knowledge of the system could give him an edge. All that said, in an ideal world, Haskins makes strides early in the season, overcomes a rocky rookie campaign in which he took 29 sacks in nine games with seven TDs and seven INTs, and becomes the franchise signal-caller. But that world is far from certain at this point. If Haskins struggles mightily, Allen could get the call. If nothing else, he can help get Haskins up to speed on an offense he knows well. The mindset of the 24-year-old, however, is to battle.