This year’s preseason dress rehearsal game for the Falcons will come at home against the Redskins, who seem to be on brand and as dysfunctional as ever based on the latest news.
To learn more, we spoke with Redskins Wire managing editor Zachary Neel.
Falcons Wire: What’s going in with Trent Williams? Do you see him playing again in Washington or no?
Redskins Wire: The short answer is that nobody seems to have any idea whatsoever. The long answer is that the Redskins organization as a whole has remained quiet about Williams and his holdout, while the seven-time Pro-Bowler has yet to say a word.
Members of the team have voiced their support for Williams and they wish him the best during this time while hoping he eventually returns to the team. As of now, that doesn’t seem to be very likely.
If I were to predict the outcome of this situation, I think that Williams will eventually sign a new deal and return to the team. The Redskins have been adamant about their unwillingness to trade him, and the only other plausible outcome is a nice new contract. If they want their star lineman to return, they’re going to need to make him one of the highest-paid left tackles in the league.
FW: How has Dwayne Haskins done so far?
RW: Haskins has looked really good so far, but it is still very obvious that he is a rookie in need of some grooming. In his two preseason games, Haskins has thrown for two interceptions and one touchdown. There have been a handful of throws that he would take back if possible, but just as many that point to his potential in this league.
It’s likely that Case Keenum will be named the eventual starter, but that is probably a good thing. Haskins is still raw, and he could use a few weeks learning from the sidelines.
FW: Who is going to be the No. 1 wide receiver?
RW: The safe bets right now would be Paul Richardson or Trey Quinn, but that’s if you aren’t considering tight end Jordan Reed in this conversation. If Reed is up for consideration, then he will undoubtedly be my pick, as he has looked phenomenal in training camp thus far.
However, Richardson and Quinn have shown some flashes, and rookie Terry McLaurin has been a bright spot in camp as well. The Redskins are desperate for anyone to step up at the WR spot after Jamison Crowder left in free agency, so any of the aforementioned names can stake a claim with a couple of nice performances.
FW: What kind of ceiling does Montez Sweat have?
RW: Montez Sweat has played in only a handful of snaps, but he is undoubtedly the most exciting player for the Redskins so far. He has the size and speed to be a dynamic edge rusher, and his long arms help clog up running lanes in the middle. Putting him on the outside — opposite Ryan Kerrigan and bookending Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen — has the potential to take Washington’s defensive line near the top of NFL rankings. Sweat could be starting what ends up being an illustrious career.
FW: What are their chances of winning the NFC East this year?
RW: Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, here. Washington is still a young team with a lot of holes. They had a very good offseason this year and picked up several pieces that can mature into something serviceable, but they need that maturation period.
It would be irresponsible to expect the Redskins to vie for the NFC East title this year, especially with the Eagles and Cowboys looking as strong as they do. What’s more likely is that Washington finishes in third place with a 8-8 record and (Jay) Gruden enters one more year on the hot seat.
