Redskins show why backup quarterbacks are necessities

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Mark Sanchez #6 of the Washington Redskins enters the huddle as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

The Washington Redskins won’t make the playoffs because they failed to employ a true backup quarterbacks. Other NFL teams should take notice.

Everything was going swimmingly in the nation’s capital. The Redskins were 6-3 and NFC East leaders. Then, Alex Smith broke his leg.

If team president Bruce Allen had the foresight to add a quality backup quarterback, maybe the Redskins would still be churning towards a playoff berth. Instead, they are dead on arrival with the combination of Colt McCoy and Mark Sanchez both unwatchable and without a win.

It’s impossible to not talk about Colin Kaepernick here. If Washington signed Kaepernick, it’s inarguable that it would have had a better chance to stay afloat.

Even with Kaepernick moved out of the equation, the Redskins had other options. They could have paid for Teddy Bridgewater or Chase Daniel this offseason. Hell, even adding a grizzled veteran such as Josh McCown or Derek Anderson would have been an upgrade.

This should be a lesson to other teams that even have the faintest belief they can compete for something significant. There are legions of other teams that would be up the proverbial creek if their starting quarterback even missed a few weeks with a rolled ankle or sprained finger.

Case in point? The Houston Texans. Houston is currently trotting out Brandon Weeden as the backup to Deshaun Watson, who earlier this year was so injured he had to take a buss to Jacksonville with rib and lung ailments. Watson hasn’t missed a start, though, mostly because they had no option. Maybe Watson sits if someone capable is holding the clipboard.

An example the other direction would include the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore invested in its future by drafting Lamar Jackson in the first round, believing he would sit for a season before taking over for Joe Flacco. Instead, Flacco went down with a hip injury in November, forcing Jackson onto the field. While his passing leaves plenty to be desired, Jackson’s legs and athleticism has been led to Baltimore staying in the thick of the AFC playoff picture.

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This isn’t a new phenomenon. For years, the Green Bay Packers have been content to play Brett Hundley, Seneca Wallace and DeShone Kizer behind Aaron Rodgers. Again, one of many examples that apply.

In 2018, quarterbacks have never been more valuable to their teams. Incredibly, general managers and personnel men around the league have been slow to realize how important the entire depth chart is.