The Washington Redskins have finally chosen a starting quarterback for their Week 5 game, and it is neither Case Keenum nor Dwayne Haskins.
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden announced on Friday that Colt McCoy will start against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Gruden claimed he made the decision “a long time ago” but decided to keep it a secret for a while.
#Redskins coach Jay Gruden says Colt McCoy will start Sunday against the #Patriots — and he made the decision "a long time ago". His press conference is live on @nflnetwork
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 4, 2019
McCoy broke his leg last season and had been out to start the year, but he is fully healthy now. He has been with Washington since 2014, and Gruden said back in March that he would have “total confidence” entering the season with McCoy as the team’s starting quarterback.
Both Keenum and Haskins struggled in last week’s loss to the New York Giants. Keenum was benched after throwing an early interception, and Haskins completed just 9-of-17 passes for 107 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions in relief of the veteran. Gruden has faced questions about whether he is stunting Haskins’ development in a season that already appears to be a lost cause, though he seems to be antagonizing the media at this point.
Gruden may feel that McCoy gives Washington the best chance to win a few games in the short term, which could help him keep his job even if the team doesn’t contend for a playoff spot.
