The Washington Redskins came into this season with tons of optimism surrounding the team. Many believed that the Redskins had a potentially high-powered offense with the addition of wide receiver Desean Jackson and a healthy Robert Griffin III back at quarterback. Unfortunately Griffin was lost early in the season giving way for backup Kirk Cousins to take the reigns.
His initial performance prompted many to declare that he was a better fit in head coach Jay Gruden’s offense and there was even talk of a potential quarterback controversy as some wanted Cousins to remain the starter even when Griffin returned. However, Cousins play has tailed off recently, and it hit a low point on Sunday when he was benched in favor of third-stringer Colt McCoy.
McCoy would throw a touchdown pass on his first attempt, and ultimately lead the Redskins to a 19-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans. His performance has led to Jay Gruden naming McCoy the starter, assuming Griffin is unable to play, as reported by CBS Sports:
Gruden told reporters Monday that McCoy is the starter until RG3 returns from an ankle injury, a development even the most ardent Cousins supporters would have trouble disputing.
Cousins has been very up and down for the Redskins. His numbers aren’t all terrible as he has completed nearly 62 percent of his passes for more than 1,700 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he also has nine interceptions, and those picks tend to come in bunches.
He threw three in last Sunday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and four in last month’s loss to the New York Giants. Cousins is still young and has plenty of time to turn his career around, but he is no longer viewed as a long-term starter the way he once was.
For McCoy, this is a chance to prove he can still contribute to a team as a valuable backup. He is only 28 years old, but this may be his last chance to prove his worth in the NFL.
