The Facts: Since taking over as head coach, Ron Rivera has preached having competition at the QB position. In March, he acquired former Panthers QB Kyle Allen, who he knows quite well. But since then, Rivera has publicly stated that Haskins will be the starter entering training camp. With the keys to the franchise now in Haskins' palm, veteran RB Adrian Peterson has high hopes for the quarterback as he enters his second season. "I want to see him blossom," Peterson told local media on Thursday. "I'm expecting big things from him."
Diehards Line:Describing Haskins' rookie season as a 'whirlwind' would be an enormous understatement. Haskins was drafted 15th overall by a regime in Washington that had two different timelines; then-head coach Jay Gruden needed to win in 2019, while the passer was seen as a raw prospect. The rookie's first two appearances came in relief of veteran Case Keenum, and Haskins looked lost both times. However, Haskins was named the starter in Week 9, just a few weeks after Gruden was fired, and improved each week as the season went along. Peterson was encouraged by the way Haskins finished his rocky rookie season, as the quarterback's best two games were his final two of the year. Although the Redskins wouldn't win either contest, Haskins finished with a combined four touchdown passes, zero turnovers, 74 percent completion and 132 QBR in those contests. The rookie was on his way to the best outing of his career in Week 16 against the Giants before an ankle injury in the third quarter ended his afternoon, and in turn, his season. Peterson believes that Haskins has learned plenty from last season and is using this offseason to fully grasp a new playbook so that when it comes time to return to the field, the quarterback will be ready. "I know he's been in his book and he's working hard to be that leader we need him to be," Peterson said.