Washington Redskins: There Is No QB Controversy

For some reason, people believe Kirk Cousins is literally the man with a cape and the number eight. They believe he’s a guy who can save the Washington Redskins from their utter disappointment with how Robert Griffin III has looked this preseason. Well I have news for you — he is who he is and that’s average.

Former Redskins great Joe Theismann felt it necessary to stop “beating around the bush” during Washington’s third preseason game Saturday suggesting that Cousins has played better than Griffin — “Let’s stop beating around the bush,” said Theismann. “Kirk Cousins has played much better at the quarterback position than Robert Griffin III has…. Right now, Robert Griffin III is his quarterback. Now, if there was a quarterback competition, it wouldn’t be a competition. Kirk Cousins would be the man I believe he would have to go to.”

It’s difficult to say Cousins has played much better than Grifin so far this preseason considering Griffin has had the third least passing attempts among starting QBs. Drew Brees has only played one preseason game, so really, Griffin has thrown the second least through three games. Of the 114 QBs who have thrown at least one ball this preseason, Griffin (20 attempts) ranks 78th — tied with Michael Vick. For comparison sake, Kirk Cousins (54 attempts) is tied with Peyton Manning for the fourth most attempts this preseason. Yes, Peyton Manning — the guy who doesn’t like giving up reps.

What does all this mean? It’s too small of a sample size to gauge Griffin’s progress. Sure, he’s been far from perfect. He’s definitely had some timing issues and gets a little lazy with mechanics at times. But I’ve seen Griffin go through progressions better than previous seasons. Not to mention, his mechanics are more sound than they’ve ever been. It’s all about consistently staying mechanically sound.

Robert Griffin III is the best QB on Washington’s roster right now and for the future.  I’ve seen enough of Kirk Cousins to know he’s an average quarterback and will always be that. He’s a hot or cold QB. In college at Michigan State, that was made clear:

2009: 19 tds and 9 ints

2010: 20 tds and 10 ins

2011: 25 tds and 10 ins

Kirk Cousins nearly had half as many interceptions as touchdowns in his college career with 66 tds and 30 ints.  In eight games of playtime with the Washington Redskins, Cousins has only gone two games without an interception. He’s had a total of 14 turnovers in eight regular season games including fumbles and eight touchdowns. In 2013, Cousins had the worst QB rating in the NFL (of QBs with at least 90 attempts).

At this point, however, Kirk Cousins is a better pocket QB than Robert Griffin III — and he should be. Cousins has played in a pro-style system since 2008. Under Mike Shanahan in 2012, Griffin received his first taste of a pro-style offense. However, it was pretty evident that the coaching staff failed to work with Griffin on proper mechanics and footwork. Especially in 2013 when, clearly, Robert Griffin regressed in those areas.

Therefore, it will take time for Griffin to become a quality pocket passer. But you have to remember, preseason is in-game practice. Head Coach Jay Gruden hasn’t dialed up many plays to get Griffin on the move. They haven’t even used no-huddle this preseason. It’s been a pretty cut and dry offense. That’s not what you’re going to see when week one rolls around in a couple weeks.

Kirk Cousins is what he is and that’s a hot or cold QB who is average at best. He’s a great guy and a solid leader who deserves to start for another team. However, he in no way is pushing Robert Griffin III out of a job.

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