Washington Redskins: Kirk Cousins Is the Best Option At QB

Kirk Cousins deserves to be the opening day starter for the Washington Redskins on September 13 against the Miami Dolphins. I have to admit, Cousins has played well enough to justify starting him over Robert Griffin III.

I hate to see any player lose his job due to injury. But truth be told, that’s a side note in this situation. One quarterback has progressed in the past year, the other seemingly has not. It’s pretty clear to see.

Jay Gruden is not willing to change his offense and meet Robert Griffin III halfway on what he does best. Therefore, the team needs someone who can simply run Gruden’s offense. That guy is, admittedly, Kirk Cousins.

After Washington’s pre-season win against the Baltimore Ravens Saturday night, Gruden tiptoed around questions regarding who would start week one. Besides the point Griffin has to past further post (what we’re told is) concussion tests, Gruden said he has to “check film” to help decide on who starts. The last time Gruden gave a non-answer on the starting QB situation, it was November 24, after Griffin struggled against the 49ers.

“Well, we have to look at our offense in general – what the reason is for our lack of production the last two games,” Gruden said last year. “You know, we scored 20 points in the last eight quarters, been poor on third down, and we can’t attribute it all to Robert. He is the quarterback, though, so we have to look at every avenue and figure out where we can improve… We’re still in the process of really evaluating the tape the last couple of weeks with all our players, and we’ll make a decision here shortly.” 

In that scenario, Gruden ended up naming Colt McCoy the starting Quarterback. In all honesty, McCoy is truly the guy Gruden likes. But I think that could have changed Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. Here’s why — Kirk Cousins finally overcame adversity and looked poised in the process.

After Cousins’ interception on the first drive, he came back and forgot about it. He didn’t get in his feelings and it didn’t affect him the remainder of the first half. He went on to make some very good plays. That’s what Jay Gruden wanted to see. Kirk Cousins’ inability to overcome adversity in the past is partly what turned-Gruden-off the Cousins-train last season. Gruden appeared very happy, even grinning, when discussing how Cousins overcame the interception. Gruden said he thought Cousins was “awesome” after that first drive.

Kirk Cousins has run a clinic on how to throw from the pocket this pre-season. He’s looked better than ever in the pocket — his feet, composure and mental game has been exceptional.

Here’s an example:

Kirk Cousins’ footwork has been impeccable. Look at this little subtle move to keep the pursuing pass rusher from strip sacking him. #Redskins #FilmStudy

A video posted by Emmanual Benton (@manny_benton) on Aug 29, 2015 at 9:45pm PDT

This subtle movement in the pocket is what separates Kirk Cousins from Robert Griffin III. Yes the pass protection wasn’t great, but Cousins helped his right tackle by slightly moving and quickly passing the football. Griffin probably would have been strip sacked here.   When I look back on this play from the Lions game, I feel like Robert Griffin III could have done something similar. Except this time the pressure was coming from the left side:  

Not blaming this on RG… But I wish the All-22 was avail so I can see what he was looking at. 87 was open underneath. He could’ve also slid right some. But the LT was bull rushed into him. #Redskins #FilmStudy

A video posted by Emmanual Benton (@manny_benton) on Aug 20, 2015 at 10:13pm PDT

Just like the Cousins’ play, this is a split second decision that has to be made. It’s all about feeling the pocket and having composure. Griffin had enough room to move slightly to his right and make a wide open throw to the tight end.

These are the plays Jay Gruden will look at and say, “we’re better off with Kirk Cousins.” I’ve been a defender of Robert Griffin III and still believe he can be a good Quarterback. However, Cousins simply runs Gruden’s system better. Is it forcing a script? Probably. But Gruden holds that right as a Head Football Coach. Let’s not forget, he’s fighting for his job too. He might as well go out punching and kicking, if that’s what it takes.

Lost in all of this dysfunction is, Kirk Cousins is a good guy, strong leader and does have a good skill-set. His issues have been turnovers and not overcoming them. This pre-season, Cousins looks and sounds totally different. He doesn’t even talk the same. There’s something different about him and it’s showing on the football field. He deserves to start week one.

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