ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 22: Colt McCoy #12 and Head Coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins talk on the sidelines during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 22, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
In a final act of defiance, Washington head coach Jay Gruden named Colt McCoy the team’s starting quarterback against the New England Patriots.
If this is it for Jay Gruden as Washington’s head coach, what a way to go out.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Washington will start veteran journeyman and career backup quarterback Colt McCoy on Sunday as the team hosts the New England Patriots at home. The despite inserting rookie first-round pick — and Snyder’s choice — Dwayne Haskins into the lineup last week to relieve Case Keenum.
The decision screams of push back. It also sends the aforementioned Haskins back to the bench after coming he completed 52.9 percent of his passes (9-of-17) for 107 yards, zero touchdowns, and an alarming three interceptions against the New York Giants.
FanSided NFL reporter Matt Verderame indicated Gruden is under the impression that he will be fired by owner Dan Snyder and team president Bruce Allen at some point this year anyway, and is simply using this as a final act of defiance on his way out the door.
McCoy appeared in three games last season for Washington and started two. He went 0-2, completing 63 percent of his passes. He added three touchdowns and three interceptions.
McCoy should hardly inspire confidence for Washington fans. He’s started 27 games in his career and has a 7-20 record. This weekend, he’ll start against the top defense in football. A team which is giving up 6.8 points and only 243 yards per game to opposing offenses. McCoy will be without the services of his starting left tackle, as Trent Williams continues to hold out in hopes of being traded.
We should not be surprised to see Gruden fired on Monday. If he is, he’ll at least have the satisfaction of sticking it to his owner on the way out the door.