Stock Up, Stock Down: Redskins' defense, quarterbacks trending in opposite directions

On Sunday, the Washington Redskins faced off against the Miami Dolphins, finally found someone to look down upon and notched their first win of season. The final score, 17-16, was too close for comfort as the Dolphins scored late with on a 11-yard strike from Ryan Fitzpatrick to Devante Parker with six seconds remaining. After a failed two-point conversion, the Redskins sealed the win.

The Redskins' offense struggled again for most of the game despite good performances from running back Adrian Peterson and wideout Terry McLaurin. On the defensive side, the Redskins dominated forcing two turnovers and tallying five sacks.

The ramifications for a win or loss for either team were surprisingly high. For the Redskins, a win with a valiant effort solidifies the decision to fire Jay Gruden while providing a small array of light for the organization. A loss for the nation's capital, the fan's and media's roasting continues but only louder and harder, and the "damn good" culture becomes significantly toxic.

For the Dolphins, a win could be the difference between the top pick or a top three pick in next year's draft. A Dolphins' loss, well, keeps them winless and the tanking campaign continues.

Here is a stock report on the Redskins for Week 6.

Stock Up: The Redskins Defense

A defense this talented and expensive should destroy a team who appears to be tanking and that's exactly what occurred. The Dolphins offensive line was no match for Washington's front seven. In the first quarter, led by Jonathan Allen, the defensive line swarmed Josh Rosen sacking the quarterback four times.

For the game the defense held the Dolphins to 271 total yards and just 3-of-14 on third down.

There were plenty of stars on the defensive side. In the second quarter, Quinton Dunbar snagged his third interception of the year. Landon Collins continued his Pro Bowl play, leading the team with 12 tackles, one sack, one quarterback hit, and two passes defensed.

Allen set the tone with a perfectly timed sack on third down early in the first quarter. The Alabama standout sacked Rosen twice.

Sunday's defensive effort was by far Washington's most complete and impressive showing. This is great momentum for next week as the creative, gritty offensive powerhouse, San Francisco 49ers, come to FedEx Stadium.

Stock Down: Case Keenum

Keenum didn't play poorly; he just didn't play as well as one would expect facing a bad football team. He finished 13 for 25 passing, throwing for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

Washington's first three possessions were 3 and out. The inability to move the chains, especially on third downs, remain a huge problem. Washington was 2 for 11 on third down with 13 total first downs. Miami outperformed Washington there, totaling 21 total first downs.

Against Rosen, a poor offensive line and limited perimeter weapons, Keenum's slow starts are overlooked. Against, a quality opponent, the lack of ball movement puts way too much unfair pressure on the defense.

Despite the two touchdowns and a few big plays, Keenum seems to be playing not to make mistakes that loses the game or benches him, rather than playing to make plays and win the game.

The recipe was perfect for Keenum to place a hold on this starting job. There's not much of a quarterback competition. Colt McCoy's anemic played against the New England Patriots didn't inspire any confidence and apparently, Dwayne Haskins still isn't ready.

And though Adrian Peterson and the defense played their best game of the season, it didn't translate to quality quarterback play. Historically, a strong running game and stout defense allows Keenum to shine his brightest. On Sunday, he shined but his light was way too dull for anyone to see it.

Stock Up: Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson bathes in the fountain of youth as he turned back the clock and showed why he's a sure first ballot Hall of Famer. The former MVP, was the team's best offensive player against the Dolphins.

Peterson finished with 23 carries for 118 yards averaging 5.1 a carry in his best game of the season. It's his first game of the season with more than 50 rushing yards. His brutal running style and consistent yardage gain was very effective. It settled the offense and provided an offensive balance that was needed for a win.

Stock Down: Dwayne Haskins

Without taking a snap Haskins is trending down. Keenum's decent-but-not-good play, and in recent weeks the musical chairs at quarterback, is the ultimate indictment on Haskins' progression as pro thus far. Coming out of Ohio State, a knock was experience because his lack of starts as a college quarterback. Haskins only started 14 games as OSU's signal caller. As a pro in his two games, in peculiar situations, he has yet to flash and inexperience can be seen as the culprit.

Kyler Murray, Daniel Jones, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen and Lamar Jackson are first-round draft picks from the previous two NFL drafts. With the exception of Josh Rosen, all of the play callers have promising starts to their NFL careers. It's difficult to believe Haskins can't or won't show similar promise.

So the question remains why is the Redskin's organization so hesitant to turn the franchise over to Haskins? Quarterback play in the NFL has never been better and young quarterbacks are succeeding. It's not as if he's playing behind a playoff contender with a franchise quarterback like Patrick Mahomes behind Alex Smith in Kanas City. The word is Haskins isn't ready, but if he can't outperform the journeyman, Keenum then the Redskins may have drafted the wrong guy.

Despite their first win, the Redskin's season is lost at bay and it's time to see if Haskins' can steer it in the right direction.