The debate over who should be the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins has answered itself for at least the next six to eight weeks. After dislocating his ankle, Robert Griffin III has been ruled out for the near future according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. The quarterback suffered the injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars and now Cousins will take his place for the time being. While many have praises Cousins' abilities as a starting quarterback, was it the backup that head coach Jay Gruden wanted starting for him originally?
Most of the talk surrounding the Redskins since the start of the season was who deserved to start at quarterback. Griffin was coming off a dismal sophomore season after healing his surgically repaired ACL. He was drafted to be the franchise quarterback and the Redskins seem set on that plan despite the better performance of Cousins in the preseason. However, has Gruden wanted Cousins as his quarterback all along?
According to a report by the Washington Post, Gruden has always favored Cousins over Griffin for his offensive system. Team sources have said that Cousins is the better quarterback for the type of offense that Gruden is known for running. It showed in the preseason as Griffin struggled in the new system. However, the Post writes that Gruden was forced to focused on getting Griffin developed into being a pocket passer since there was no way to delicately switch quarterbacks for the season. Griffin was drafted to be the franchise star. He has been hyped that way ever since and Washington did not wanted the added press that would come if it changed.
At this point, it does not matter who Gruden wanted under center when he was hired as head coach because now he only has Cousins to work with for the time being. After the backup stepped in during the first quarter, he threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers. Cousins has always been confident in his abilities at quarterback, even going as far to request a move to a team that would allow him playing time since the Redskins were committed to Griffin. Now he gets the chance to prove himself while the starter heals.
An MRI revealed no fractures in Griffin's ankle so the Redskins remain very optimistic about an easy return for the quarterback. For the time being, Cousins looks capable of getting Washington the wins it needs until Griffin returns and the debate over who should start continues.
