Kirk Cousins vs. RGIII and the Biggest QB Battles for 2012 NFL Season

It was Tim Tebow vs. Kyle Orton back in 2011, and now the 2012 NFL season promises to have even more quarterback battles.

After the Washington Redskins moved up to No. 2 overall to secure Robert Griffin III, it was rather surprising to see them take Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins in Round 4. RGIII and Cousins won't be the only signal callers to watch throughout the preseason, though. 

Before we tackle the battle brewing in our nation's capital, let's look at some other quarterbacks that will be fighting for a starting role during training camp.

Russell Wilson vs. Matt Flynn, Seattle Seahawks

Seattle arguably has the most evenly-matched quarterback competition.

Matt Flynn does have NFL experience under the tutelage of Aaron Rodgers, but his actual playing time is limited. As for Russell Wilson, he will likely enter as the No. 3 quarterback behind Tarvaris Jackson, but Jackson has underachieved in his NFL career under center.

Had the Seahawks not selected Wilson, Flynn would have been on easy street for the starting role. Adding Wilson, though, creates a strong competition as the rookie presents attributes and potential comparable to Flynn.

Wilson is mobile, extremely accurate, knows how to buy time and has a stronger arm than he is given credit for.

Because Seattle has a stud running back in Marshawn Lynch and a sound receiving corps led by Doug Baldwin, anticipate the winner of this competition to thrive.

Whether it's with Flynn or Wilson, this offense has plenty of potential. 

Brandon Weeden vs. Colt McCoy, Cleveland Browns

There's a little more discrepancy between Brandon Weeden and Colt McCoy when it comes to NFL playing experience. 

Nonetheless, this is a competition to keep an eye on as the winner will have the luxury of handing the rock to Trent Richardson in the backfield.

Richardson's presence creates a strong complement to Cleveland's passing game, so play-action will be important for the Browns to move the ball effectively.

Play-action gets set up from under center, where McCoy has the advantage. That being said, Weeden has a stronger arm, is impressively accurate and provides better size in the pocket.

The main thing to watch between these two—aside from setting up after play-action—will be making quick reads to restrict a defense's pass-rush. The Browns still have pass-protection issues, so the quarterback that can read through progressions faster should be the one to get the starting gig. 

Ryan Tannehill vs. Matt Moore

Although Matt Moore is more proven, Ryan Tannehill has a major edge over entering the Dolphins' training camp.

For one, Tannehill was a top-10 draft pick so the investment is much greater. Plus, he is going to be reunited with his college coach Mike Sherman (Miami's offensive coordinator).

The odds are significantly stacked against Moore, but he does have the 16 touchdowns to just nine picks and a 87.1 QB rating to his credit from 2011.

The Dolphins don't present any legit receiving threats and desperately need a No. 1 receiver. The victor of this battle will be the quarterback that best develops his receivers.

With the AFC East fielding three exceptional defenses in the Jets, Bills and Patriots, it's imperative that the Dolphins' quarterback be damn near flawless if the team wants to stay competitive. 

Kirk Cousins vs. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins

It's obvious Robert Griffin III will enter the season as the starting quarterback, but don't expect Kirk Cousins to just sit back while RG3 develops under center.

Cousins has a great mind for the game, impressive arm strength, solid accuracy and reads defenses pre-snap arguably better than any rookie quarterback coming into the league. Not to mention, Cousins also comes from a pro-style set at Michigan State which will ease his transition.

As for Griffin, his mobility will pay the most dividends for himself and the Redskins in 2012.

The NFC East is overloaded with stud pass-rushers and the Redskins have questionable pass protection, leading me to believe that RGIII will struggle at times. 

The question is how much Griffin will actually struggle with Cousins waiting in the wings. Both are actually more similar than you might think, since the cognitive approach to playing quarterback is the most important aspect of the position. 

If RGIII gets exploited to the point where the Redskins' offense becomes a non-factor, expect to see Cousins get a shot and do good work, mainly because he won't have any pressure to dominate.

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