During the 20918 season, the Washington Redskins faced persistent challenges at the quarterback position amid organizational transition. Fans and analysts closely watched how the roster moves and on field performances would shape the campaign.
Below is a structured snapshot of the quarterback situation for the Washington Redskins in 2018, including key personnel, metrics, and season context.
| Player | Position | Season Status | Key Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Smith | Starting Quarterback | Regular Season Starter | 245.5 Passer Rating |
| Josh Johnson | Backup Quarterback | Week 17 Starter | 128.6 Passer Rating |
| JT Barrett | Backup / Practice Squad | Inactive / Practice | Limited Reps |
| Landon Collins | Defensive Player Mentioned in QB Conversation | Not a Quarterback | Defensive Impact |
Alex Smith Performance 2018
Alex Smith entered 2018 as the established starter and delivered consistent production despite the team overall struggles. His experience showed in decision making, though the offensive scheme limited explosive plays.
Completion and Efficiency
Smith maintained a solid completion percentage while managing turnovers at a moderate rate. His passer rating reflected a steady but not dynamic season under limited weapons around him.
Backup Situation and Development
The Redskins invested in depth at quarterback with Josh Johnson as the primary backup and JT Barrett ready for limited action. This setup provided familiarity in the locker room and developmental opportunities for younger talent.
Role Clarity and Transition Planning
Clear communication about roles helped stabilize expectations. The team prepared for potential mid season changes by evaluating practice squad options and maintaining flexible game scripts.
Injury Impact and Week 17 Start
An unexpected injury to Alex Smith in Week 17 elevated Josh Johnson to the starting role for the season finale. The change allowed the organization to assess the backup under game conditions while managing Smith long term.
Effect on Playoff Odds and Momentum
Although the season was already decided, the Week 17 start provided data on Johnson performance and highlighted the thin QB depth chart for future planning.
2018 Season Context and Organizational Outlook
The quarterback position in 2018 reflected a franchise in transition, balancing veteran leadership with emerging options. The performances informed draft strategy and internal competition moving forward.
Comparison with Offensive Line Support
Smith operated with limited protection and inconsistent run support, which affected timing routes and deep shot opportunities. The uneven offensive line play magnified challenges at the quarterback position.
Key Takeaways for Washington Redskins Quarterback 2018
- Alex Smith was the reliable starter who managed the offense under limited support.
- Josh Johnson provided veteran backup capability and unexpectedly started the finale.
- JT Barrett offered youth and practice squad flexibility without regular season action.
- Injury timing in Week 17 reshaped the final game narrative and evaluation process.
- The season highlighted the importance of depth and contingency planning at quarterback.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who started at quarterback for the Washington Redskins in 2018?
Alex Smith started the majority of games at quarterback for the Washington Redskins in 2018.
How did the Week 17 injury affect the quarterback situation?
When Alex Smith went down in Week 17, Josh Johnson started the final game, giving the backup meaningful experience and altering the short term rotation.
What role did JT Barrett play for the Redskins in 2018?
JT Barrett remained on the practice squad and was inactive for regular season games, serving as a developmental backup and situational depth option.
How did the quarterback depth chart look heading into 2019?
The 2018 season clarified the need for stronger quarterback depth, influencing later trades, draft evaluations, and competition plans for the following year.