Matt Rhule’s Panthers haven’t won many games, but they have cost some folks their jobs this season. The Atlanta Falcons fired coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff after an embarassing loss to Carolina back in Week 5. The Detroit Lions waited another week to can Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn, but their 20-0 loss to the Panthers in Week 11 before getting blown out by Deshaun Watson no doubt played a part in their exits.
Now, a former first-round pick has forfeited his roster spot in Washington. In Sunday’s 20-13 victory over the Washington Football Team, Dwayne Haskins had an awful performance. While the Panthers’ young defense did their part, Haskins imploded, completing just 50% of his passes, throwing two interceptions and posting a 4.1 QBR.
Haskins was eventually benched in favor of Taylor Heinicke, who at least was able to push the ball down the field against a prevent defense. It was a low bar, but apparently enough to convince coach Ron Rivera that Haskins is done and Heinicke is the better option when Alex Smith is out.
Haskins has been released.
In a statement, WFT HC Ron Rivera said he told Dwayne Haskins that “I believe it benefits both parties that we go our separate ways.”
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) December 28, 2020
Carolina’s win may have been the last straw, but this has been coming for a while. Haskins had his captain status revoked a few days ago after being photographed maskless in public, his second violation of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols this season.
