The Washington Redskins have Robert Griffin III as the starter coming into 2015, but into training camp Jay Gruden is planning to have Colt McCoy and Kirk Cousins to be the backup for RG3 and this comes as Matt Jones could push Alfred Morris to get some carries in the starting lineup with a strong performance over the summer.
The Redskins finished in last place in the NFC East last season and now Jay Gruden is looking for the offense to take a big step in 2015. RG3 was named the starter early on and that was part of Gruden's plan to give Griffin confidence heading into camp. The team picked up the fifth year option on Griffin and Gruden said that he expects Griffin to take a "big step" in his offense this season. Griffin is the starter and now Colt McCoy and Kirk Cousins will try and win the backup job this summer.
The Redskins signed back McCoy as a free agent this offseason and they did not seriously look into a Cousins trade, as Gruden likes having strong backups on the roster. According to the Washington Post, Mike Jones reports that "the plan for now" is that McCoy and Cousins will compete for the number two job behind Griffin through the preseason. Gruden considered setting the depth chart early on, but with Griffin as the starter, he is opting to let the backups battle things out in camp.
According to ESPN.com, Cousins and McCoy were alternating reps behind Griffin in OTA workouts and minicamp and now the two will each get chances to win the job behind Griffin. Last season both players started games for Washington and coming into the preseason it looks like McCoy may have an edge over Cousins, but only a slight one. McCoy played better overall last season, but he was not without fault and that gives Cousins the chance to prove himself this summer.
McCoy comes in after playing in five games and throwing four touchdowns and three interceptions and he also won a game against the Cowboys. McCoy completed 71 percent of his passes and had a good handle on the offense with Griffin on the sidelines. Eventually Griffin came back and now McCoy and Cousins will compete to be the backup. Last season Cousins played in six games and had 1710 yards, 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions while completing 61 percent of his passes.
The Redskins drafted Matt Jones in the third round this year out of Florida and while he likely won't be the starter with Alfred Morris already holding that down, he should get the chance to contribute. Gruden praised Jones through rookie camp and in OTAs and that could be a big boost for the rookie heading into camp. According to ESPN Redskins reporter John Keim, Jones likely will be the third down back and backup for Morris this season.
Gruden likes to use his running backs in space and with Morris more of a runner than a pass catcher, Jones could take over that role. Gruden said earlier in the offseason that Jones has impressed with his pass catching skills and that is likely his best way to get onto the field and contribute as a rookie.
