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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

Matthew Paras was a digital sports writer for the Washington Times.

Articles by Matthew Paras

Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) walking on the field before the start of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Dwayne Haskins and a stunning flameout in Washington

When Washington picked Dwayne Haskins, a hometown favorite of team owner Dan Snyder, at No. 15 in the 2019 NFL draft, the then-21-year-old had a defiant message for the franchises that had taken others ahead of him, telling cameras the league had "done messed up." Not quite two years later, it seems more likely the biggest mistake made that night was with the team that chose the Ohio State star -- not those that passed.

December 28, 2020
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)

Washington releases Dwayne Haskins

Washington released quarterback Dwayne Haskins on Monday, a day after the 2019 first-rounder was benched in a 20-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

December 28, 2020
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) and linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk (59) greet each other on the field prior to an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)

Washington demotes Dwayne Haskins again

Coach Ron Rivera said Monday that Dwayne Haskins will be in a backup role for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles with a playoff berth on the line -- even if Alex Smith (calf) is unable to start. That means Taylor Heinicke has officially moved past Haskins on the depth chart.

December 28, 2020
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins warming up before the start of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Dwayne Haskins to start against Panthers: reports

Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins will start Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers as Alex Smith will miss his second straight outing with a calf injury, according to multiple reports.

December 27, 2020
Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) juggles with a ball and unable to make the catch while being covered by Seattle Seahawks free safety D.J. Reed (29) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

What has to happen for Washington to make playoffs

You don't need NBC's Steve Kornacki or CNN's John King to understand how the Washington Football Team can make the playoffs this week. The scenario is pretty straight forward: If the team beats the Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants lose to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Washington is in.

December 24, 2020
Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera watches against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Ron Rivera’s sayings provide template for Washington’s success

Throughout Rivera's first year in Washington, the coach has relied on these sayings as a way to establish the culture change that he so often references. They go beyond your typical coach speak, your 'one game at a time," your "control what you can control" and all the other cliches that coaches spew.

December 24, 2020
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins warming up before the start of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Dwayne Haskins stripped of captainship

The Washington Football Team stripped Dwayne Haskins of his captainship as part of the quarterback's punishment related to an incident in which he was caught partying indoors without a mask with a group of women at a club. The team also fined Haskins, coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday.

December 23, 2020
Fans in their seats at FedEx Field before the start of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Washington’s diehard fans starting to embrace new name, merchandise

When the franchise he practically rooted for his whole life changed their name to the "Washington Football Team," Jared Wasser swore he wasn't going to buy any of the team's new merchandise that might just become outdated in a year or two. But the 35-year-old Laytonsville, Maryland resident didn't take long to change his mind.

December 23, 2020