Skip to main content

Kyle Allen

Dwayne Haskins benched as Washington QB, Kyle Allen to start in Week 5

Haskins began his second year as the starter but could only lead Washington to a 1-3 record across the first quarter of 2020, though Ron Rivera's team are only 0.5 games back of the Philadelphia Eagles in a poor NFC East.

QB Haskins has thrown for 939 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions, but ranks near the bottom of the list for quarterbacks in various categories, including passer rating (80.3 - 29th), completion percentage (61 per cent - 27th) and touchdown percentage (2.7 per cent - joint 28th), while only four QBs have taken more sacks than his 13.

He was the 15th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft but the former Ohio State Buckeye has a combined 3-8 record in his 11 starts, and his career completion percentage is below 60 per cent.

Former Carolina Panthers head coach Rivera gave his old team a fifth-round draft pick to acquire Allen in March.

Washington's offensive coordinator Scott Turner was the quarterback coach in Carolina for each of Allen's two seasons as a Panther.

Allen, who went undrafted in 2018, has started 13 games in his career, compiling a 6-7 record, and he will make his 14th against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

His career passer rating (82), completion percentage (62.1 per cent), touchdown percentage (3.7 per cent) and yards per attempt (6.9) are all better than Haskins' figures, though Washington's previous starter has a marginally better interception percentage (2.9 per cent to Allen's 3.1).

Veteran Alex Smith, who has come back from 17 surgeries and a near amputation of his leg, will be Allen's backup.

QB Kyle Allen signs new contract with Carolina Panthers

The quarterback was scheduled to become an exclusive rights free agent after spending two years with the team having gone undrafted ahead of the 2018 season.

Allen, 24, made his first start in Week 17 of that campaign before playing a more significant role last year after starter Cam Newton was restricted to two appearances because of a foot injury. 

He racked up 3,322 yards through the air and produced some promising performances as the Panthers won his first four games behind center.

But as well as throwing for 17 touchdowns, Allen had 16 interceptions and 13 fumbles as the team lost eight straight games to finish 2019 at 5-11.

Allen was benched for rookie Will Grier in the final two games but the Panthers have opted to keep him around in an extension which is worth a reported $585,000.

Amid uncertainty over the team's long-term future at the position, new Panthers head coach Matt Rhule has insisted he wants Newton to stay, with Allen and Grier also in the QB room for 2020.