Kirk Cousins got a good statement win in Week 4 as the Washington Redskins defeated the Philadelphia Eagles. The quarterback was certainly not perfect, but he pulled it together for the win proving why head coach Jay Gruden continues to voice confidence in Cousins. The game was another step for Cousins into his own spotlight, forcing Robert Griffin III into the shadows.
Without much of a run game in Week 4, Cousins took to the air and finished the day doing 31 of 46 for 289 yards. His connection with Pierre Garcon proved to be the most clutch of the week as the two were the big reason for the win including the 15-play, 90-yard game-winning touchdown drive. It pushes Cousins to have more confidence and the Redskins to realize they might have "their guy" for at least the foreseeable future.
According to NFL Media's Albert Breer, Gruden believes Cousins is the long-term guy and the more playing time he gets the better he will look. Heading into the game, Gruden told the media that his continued confidence in Cousins is helping the quarterback emerge as the long-term starter in Washington.
"We're 1-2 right now, but we're hoping it pays dividends," Gruden said, via NFL.com. "We've got all the confidence in the world in him. As an organization, we all came to the same conclusion. It's not like the room was split -- This wanted him, he wanted him, he wanted him. Collectively, it was unanimous. We're all sticking by the plan and we're showing Kirk that we have confidence in him. And hopefully it pays off and he'll get better every game."
According to Jarrett Bell of USA Today Sports, Cousins is moving out of Griffin's shadow and showing that he is quarterback to put stock into. In Week 4, Griffin was not even dressed for the game. He was inactive as Colt McCoy got the backup nod. This continues to draw Griffin's future into question. The Redskins have committed $16 million to the quarterback after picking up his fifth-year option and that will make it very hard to move past him if that is the path they decide to take. The Redskins have remained firm in their stance of not letting go of Griffin, but if Cousins can continue to pull these wins together, that might have to change.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, the Redskins are not trading Griffin. The front office is still remaining committed to the quarterback even if the coaching staff is not. However, in the upcoming offseason, Cousins will need a new contract. Griffin's deal might make it hard for Washington to extend him. If Cousins has a good remainder of the season the quarterback will demand a little more money. That is when the major decisions will need to be made regarding Griffin's future with the organization.