The Washington Redskins were liking what they were seeing from Kirk Cousins after a solid Week 2 performance from the quarterback. However, that all quickly changed when Cousins tossed two interceptions in the 32-21 loss to the New York Giants that was not nearly as close as the score says. The quarterback did not look the part on Thursday night leaving head coach Jay Gruden to defend Cousins job for the future.
Cousins took over for Griffin when the quarterback suffered a concussion. Gruden was quick to name the quarterback the season starter despite Griffin being the appointed franchise player. It was certainly controversy at the time and it will continue to be especially when the quarterback takes losses like the one Thursday night. Cousins finished the day going 30 of 49 for 316 yards, but the two interceptions were costly.
"No. No. Kirk was fine," Gruden said, via ESPN.com. "... We've got to play better around him. There is no quarterback controversy whatsoever. We got to do some things around him. We can't make this all about the quarterback. We got to create some turnovers on defense. We got to continue to run the ball, and the receivers got to make some plays. And Kirk's got to do better. We've all got to do better."
Gruden is right in saying the players around Cousins failed to perform. Alfred Morris had one of his worst performances as he and Matt Jones combined for just 47 yards on the ground. That is a far cry from what the rushers were doing in the first two games. If Cousins has any chance of succeeding those numbers must improve. Morris has been a hot and cold running back since coming into the league, but after a strong Week 1 showing, there was confidence. Morris downplayed the idea that a running back competition was hurting the group.
"The only thing that matters around here is winning. The last two years we've had seven wins. That's not going to get it done. That's tough. I don't care who gets the stats or who is making the plays. As long as we're winning, that's all that matters," Morris said, via the Washington Post.
The Redskins have issues to work out and the Cousins' turnovers are the biggest ones. Gruden wants him to workout at quarterback. However, another performance like Week 3 and the head coach will have some decisions to make. With Colt McCoy also on the roster, the quarterback issues could just be beginning.