Prior to the 2014 season beginning, there were plenty of NFL "analysts" calling for a change at quarterback with the Washington Redskins. Robert Griffin III was not looking entirely sharp in the preseason, getting outplayed by backup Kirk Cousins. As the Redskins continue to refuse a trade of Cousins, many are wondering why he is not getting a look to be the starter for Washington instead. After a Week 1 loss, is head coach Jay Gruden considering a switch under center?
Griffin was certainly not the center of the blame for the Redskins loss to the Houston Texans on the road in Week 1. The quarterback complete 29 of 37 passes for 267 yards, but he did not have a touchdown, fumbled the ball and was sacked three times. The quarterback only managed to lead the team to six points in the whole game as the Texans' defense made quick work of Washington's offensive unit.
"I don't think them coming out and playing the coverage they did led to us having six points on the board. I think that was more us hurting ourselves. Like I said, I have to play better for us to win football games," Griffin said, via the Washington Post. "What you're trying to say is everybody knew Jordan was going to shoot the fadeaway, but Jordan still shot the fadeaway. We'll find ways to get our guys in a position to make those plays down the field even if they are playing those coverages, but we aren't going to come out next week and heave ho and throw 30 deep balls."
This type of loss will only increase the critics claiming Cousins should be looked at as a possible starter going forward. According to Cousins, he understands his role with the team and is not looking to be the starter. He told the media prior to the season opener that he was told he stood no chance of getting the job and was secure in his job as the backup.
While Gruden admitted that circumstances could certainly change the outlook of the quarterback position, this loss will not be one of them. The head coach has been very complimentary towards Cousins and his skillset, but is fully committed to Griffin and that does not appear to be changing any time in the near future.
"[Griffin] did some good things," Gruden said. "But when you're a quarterback in a loss, you're not going to get a very good grade. The quarterback is responsible for getting us in the end zone and we only had six points. ... I think it is a good start for him, a good building block moving forward to Jacksonville [next week's opponent]."
