Washington Redskins Preseason: Week 4 Stock Report

Washington Redskins quarterbacks feature heavily in the team's latest preseason stock reports. It's been a particularly tough time for the man at the top of the depth chart.

Robert Griffin III is still making the same reckless mistakes he's made throughout most of his two-year pro career. That has naturally generated a little extra buzz around backup Kirk Cousins, who is hardly a paragon of efficiency.

Elsewhere, stock remains down for veteran safety Brandon Meriweather. While Griffin can still attribute some of his reckless habits to youth, there are very few excuses left for the 30-year-old Meriweather.

At least the defense has been boosted by the emergence of young linebacker Keenan Robinson. His performances at a key position offer hope of seeing a much-improved unit this season.

Here are the latest stock-up, stock-down reports from the preseason.

All statistics via NFL.com.

Stock Up: Kirk Cousins, QB

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It's only natural that attentions have turned to Cousins while Griffin has floundered. Drafted in the fourth round the same year Washington traded away the farm for Griffin, Cousins has impressed many this preseason.

One enamoured onlooker is former Washington Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Theismann, per Dan Steinberg of The Washington Post:

"

Let’s stop beating around the bush. Kirk Cousins has played much better at the quarterback position than Robert Griffin III has. Now, Robert is learning to work out of a pocket. He doesn’t look as smooth or as comfortable throwing the football. I mean, your eyes will tell you everything you need to know.

It’s going to be a decision that Jay Gruden is going to have to make. Right now, Robert Griffin III is his quarterback. Now, if there was a quarterback competition, it wouldn’t be a competition. Kirk Cousins would be the man I believe he would have to go to, because of the efficiency with which he has run [the offense]. Now Kirk, like I said, is basically a drop-back quarterback. I see Andy Dalton in Cincinnati, I see Kirk Cousins that way.

"

Theismann was speaking after the team's narrow preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens. It was not entirely unjustified for Theismann to stick the boot in Griffin.

However, the surprise was that he went to such great lengths to break it down. This was, after all, preseason fare.

Yet Theismann was right not to let that entirely excuse Griffin's failings or invalidate Cousins' success. The idea that Cousins is more pocket-ready than Griffin certainly has merit.

The only thing that was out of place in Theismann's assessment was the notion of Cousins being a more efficient option than Griffin. That's a strange perception when considering Cousins threw seven interceptions compared with four touchdowns in only eight appearances last season.

His 52.3 completion mark, along with an overall quarterback rating of 58.4, hardly speaks of a quarterback who specializes in protecting the football.

Had Theismann argued that Cousins has greater potential to be more efficient in the long term than Griffin, that would be something easier to agree with.

For his part, Cousins has tried to avoid any hint of the controversy steadily building at the team's most important position, per Tom Schad of The Washington Times:

"

Robert [Griffin III] is the starting quarterback. I’m the backup quarterback. And I’m going to try to be the best quarterback I can be.

"

Solid showings in preseasons aren't going to vault Cousins past Griffin on the depth chart any time soon. For now, though, a few more people are starting to imagine what this team would be like with Cousins under center.

Stock Down: Robert Griffin III, QB

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It certainly has been a tough last few weeks for Griffin. Rumblings that all is not well with Washington's supposed franchise quarterback began after the team's organized practice sessions with the New England Patriots.

That's when ESPNBoston.com Patriots reporter Mike Reiss recounted his strong feeling that Cousins had outperformed Griffin, a thought apparently echoed by the Pats:

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One of my biggest takeaways from Patriots-Redskins joint practices was surprise that Robert Griffin III didn’t look like the best quarterback on his own team. In fact, I thought Kirk Cousins was better than him, from the perspective of running the offense, fine-tuned mechanics and how decisively the ball came out of his hand. I wondered if I was alone, and then heard the same sentiment echoed by some others in the Patriots organization.

"

Then came Griffin's horror show against the Cleveland Browns in the team's second exhibition game. He received criticism for running too much without doing enough to avoid contact, per Liz Clarke of The Washington Post.

Meanwhile, fellow Post writer Jason Reid took Griffin to task for making poor decisions throwing the ball that led to mistakes.

Of course, the worrying aspect of these reports is how all of these failings are so familiar. Griffin couldn't read coverage or identify pressure in 2013.

Once his first read was taken away he often resorted to trying to outrun defenses that had become better at keeping him in the pocket. Yet it must be stressed how much his limited mobility, diminished after offseason knee surgery, factored into that.

But the concern is that without the extra element to keep defenses guessing and make them passive, Griffin simply can't operate a pro passing game. The problem is this franchise needs time to find out.

Sadly, that time has been denied by Griffin entering the league during an offseason strike, then losing his preparation schedule for Year 2 thanks to a serious knee injury.

But one of the more concerning issues is some of the rhetoric around Griffin and Washington's quarterback situation. For instance, there's a sharp contrast between the way Cousins talks about himself and the team, compared to how Griffin expresses himself.

Going back to Tom Schad's article in The Washington Times helps illustrate the point. When Cousins was asked about his role on the team and his own progress as a quarterback, he had the following to say:

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I try to fill the role that the coaches and the organization asks of me, and what they’ve asked of me is to be a backup. I can’t create a role that’s not there. The role for me is to be a backup, and doggone it, I’m going to be the best backup I can be.

[...]I do feel like I’ve taken steps. A lot of these preseason games, my attitude coming away from them has been, ‘I’m really close to being pretty good. I’m not there yet, but I’m close.’ So that’s exciting, because I feel like every day I’m taking a step closer and closer and closer.

"

Cousins made a tacit admission that he still has to work on his game. He also voluntarily pigeon-holed himself into a reserve role. Of course, that obviously is his role. But Cousins could have whined about it, or made a direct challenge to Griffin, something sure to create more negative buzz around the team.

Contrast that with Griffin's response to the latest round of criticism he has faced, "You can’t worry about what doubters or what anybody on the outside says. Everybody in this locker room is all we got, and it’s all we need."

That's basically a way of telling us mere mortals to shut it. While a bit of defiance is always welcome from a quarterback, it would be nice to read at least a passing acknowledgement from Griffin that he knows he's struggling, or he knows where he has to improve.

But then again, why should he be expected to cast even a hint of doubt on his position, when head coach Jay Gruden has already announced he has the "keys to the franchise," per Zac Boyer of The Washington Times.

What on earth was Gruden thinking to say something like that? This is a struggling quarterback attempting to redefine his entire playing style.

But however much he struggles, at least he know he has the keys to the franchise. That's a very dangerous sentiment.

Where is the pressure on Griffin to get better? Where is the jeopardy to push him to iron out mistakes that a player who cost two first-round picks and a second-rounder shouldn't still be making?

Sooner, rather than later, Gruden and this franchise are going to have to start pushing for answers to these questions.

Stock Up: Keenan Robinson, ILB

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Keenan Robinson has been one of the big winners of this team's offseason. He's quickly moved ahead of three free-agent acquisitions to become the linebacker expected to replace the retired London Fletcher.

It's a big responsibility but one the third-year pro is apparently intent not to waste. NFL.com writer Gregg Rosenthal is the latest to endorse Robinson's initial impact:

"

The defense looks surprisingly frisky. Keenan Robinson quickly firmed up the team's starting inside linebacker position, and has great potential as London Fletcher's replacement.

"

Rosenthal's praise came after Robinson gained admirers during the Ravens game, including Mike Jones of The Washington Post:

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Last night we saw Robinson making plays all over the field. He had a great open-field tackle for a one-yard loss on fourth-and-1. He snuffed out an end-around attempt, running Jacoby Jones out of bounds for a five-yard loss. He provided solid pass coverage. He came up and forced a fumble, although the ball went out of bounds and Baltimore maintained possession. Yes, the Redskins have found a player in Robinson. Sure, there will be some struggles ahead. He’s still learning. But the potential is certainly there, and in Robinson and Perry Riley Jr., Washington could have a talented inside linebacker duo manning the heart of the defense for years to come.

"

There's no doubt that a healthy Robinson can add a lot to this defense. Any 3-4 scheme relies on moving pieces. That's just the obvious implication of having more defenders standing up than aligning with their hands down.

But Washington coordinator Jim Haslett's system is even more dependent on roving, athletic playmakers. His fire zone concepts need linebackers who can quickly bail into deep zones after showing a blitz look on the line of scrimmage.

Haslett needs backers as comfortable rushing off the edge as they are attacking the middle. It's a very demanding defense for inside players like Robinson.

Fortunately, the 2012 fourth-round pick is a naturally fluid and rangy athlete. The problem has been keeping him healthy.

CSNWashington.com reporter Tarik El-Bashir has detailed Robinson's woes:

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By now you know his hard luck story: the 2012 fourth round selection finished his rookie season on injured reserve after tearing a pectoral muscle in a game, then he tore the opposite pectoral muscle on the first day of training camp the following season. As defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said matter-of-factly last week, the last two times Robinson had tackled anyone he suffered a season-ending injury.

"

However, it's been so far, so good for Robinson this offseason. Staying healthy has given him the chance to show how important he could be in Haslett's defense.

Stock Down: Brandon Meriweather, S

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If you're tired of reading articles detailing and lamenting Brandon Meriweather's habit of delivering hits that get him suspended, believe me I'm sick of writing them.

But what choice does Meriweather leave any of us? He's played seven seasons and he still seemingly doesn't know, or simply doesn't care, about the difference between a safe and legal hit and one in violation of rules.

You'd think being suspended last season would've given him time to reflect on the difference. Well, you'd be wrong.

That was obvious when Meriweather was given a two-game suspension following an idiotic, head-first hit on Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith this preseason.

Zac Boyer of The Washington Times  noted how this is Meriweather's sixth suspension. Boyer also broke down the NFL's statement regarding the "tackle" and exactly why it drew the ire of the rules committee:

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In a seven-paragraph statement, the league determined that Meriweather 'delivered a forceful blow to the head and neck area of a defenseless receiver with no attempt to wrap up or make a conventional tackle of this player.'

That violates Rule 12, Section 2, Article 7, the statement notes, which outlaws unnecessary contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture. Such a position, the rule further clarifies, includes '[a] receiver attempting to catch a pass; or who has completed a catch and has not had time to protect himself or has not clearly become a runner.'

"

The part about making "no attempt to wrap up or make a conventional tackle" is key. There is a correct tackling technique in the NFL, a form guide found in every practice manual.

Meriweather shouldn't need to be told that. More specifically, he shouldn't need to be told that again and again and again.

All he's done is further reduce options at a position arguably already the weakest on the team. Talk about stock hitting the floor.

Stock Up: Ryan Grant, WR

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While Meriweather continues to leave you scratching your head about how he's still drawing a salary, rookie wide receiver Ryan Grant makes you ponder how he was still available in Round 5 of the 2014 NFL draft.

That's how impressive the ex-Tulace ace has been so far this offseason. Many, including Mike Jones of The Washington Post, have been wowed by Grant's route-running and excellent hands.

He's offering qualities this team needs at the inside of its passing game. Specifically, Gruden's new-look offense could use a sure-handed, underneath outlet, someone who can offer Griffin an option when his primary vertical read is taken away.

Grant is already showing that he can be that player. His stock is rising every week. At this point, the only shock will be if he doesn't make the final roster.

Stock Down: Phillip Thomas, S

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Meriweather's suspension is compounded by ongoing injury concerns for 2013 fourth-round pick Phillip Thomas—the player who missed his entire rookie campaign following Lisfranc surgery has suffered a recurrence of trouble with his foot.

That has got Gruden concerned, according to CSNWashington.com Insider Tarik El-Bashir:

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It’s a concern because it’s the same foot. He’s going to get it checked out again. It’s just sore. It’s still bothering him. You could see a little bit that it looks like it’s bothering him. We have to get it fixed because he’s a good football player. And we need to make sure he’s healthy [and] he’s ready to play.

"

Gruden's concern is certainly warranted, especially now that Meriweather will miss time. The options at safety are threadbare. Only 34-year-old Ryan Clark and disappointing 2013 sixth-round pick Bacarri Rambo are left as credible starters.

Thomas is a player the team may have counted on to bounce back in a big way during his second season and add some playmaking skills to the rotation.

But this latest setback does not bode well for a player having major issues avoiding injury. El-Bashir also noted how Thomas has already missed time this offseason with hamstring trouble.

Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen may soon regret not doing more to bolster this position via free agency and the draft.

Stock Up: David Amerson, CB

Ben Margot/Associated Press

While there are real problems at the heart of the secondary, things on the edges could get a whole lot better this season. That's thanks to the strides being made by last season's second-round pick David Amerson.

The lengthy and stout cornerback was impressive against the Ravens, per ESPN.com Redskins reporter John Keim:

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Corner David Amerson made two big-time plays. He broke up a fade in the corner of the end zone, a play the Redskins have been victimized on in the past. Amerson played it well by reading the receiver’s eyes and getting his arms up and preventing the catch. He also had a terrific open-field tackle.

"

Keim wasn't the only commentator with kind words for Amerson. Mike Jones of The Washington Post offered this praise, "Cornerback David Amerson made two nice tackles. He’s playing with great aggression. He also did a good job of using his length to break up a well-thrown ball in the end zone."

It's great to see Amerson learning how to deal with certain pro-style route concepts. The fact he's working to improve is very encouraging.

It's also good that he's adopting a more aggressive style. That's how a cornerback with his physical attributes should play.

The 6'1", 205-pound cover man must challenge receivers at the line more often this season. In fact, that should be a mantra for the secondary as a whole.

Amerson at least appears ready to do just that. His partnership with DeAngelo Hall should make Haslett's coverage schemes strong on the outside.

Having rookie Bashaud Breeland and veteran Tracy Porter in reserve, makes cornerback a position the team can feel very comfortable about compared with safety.

Stock Down: Kai Forbath, K

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At this point, it would be quite a surprise if Kai Forbath managed to hold off rookie Zach Hocker to maintain his place as this team's kicker. Hocker can add more to the overall kicking game.

That's something Gruden has already noted about the seventh-round pick, per Redskins.com writer Stephen Czarda:

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He is everything we expected. We have a good field goal kicker here [in Kai Forbath], but the ability he has with that strong leg is an added dimension for kickoffs, and touchbacks are very, very important. We will see moving forward. We’re going to have competition, like I said, at every position, and kicker is no different.

"

It's significant that Gruden placed so much emphasis on kickoffs. That again shows the post-Mike Shanahan regime doing all it can to improve every single area of last season's dreadful special teams.

The field position battle is an important one, and Hocker seems better able to help Washington win its share of those battles this season. By contrast, Forbath is still having to commit time to working on his kickoffs, per Czarda:

"

Forbath, meanwhile, hit both of his field goal attempts in Weeks 2 and 3, but admitted that he still needs to improve on his kickoffs. He had one of his kickoffs veer out of bounds against the Patriots, resulting in illegal procedure penalty.

"

Barring a major disaster from Hocker in the final preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he should win the job and push Forbath off the roster.

Hopefully, then the rookie can go on to be this franchise's first truly dependable kicker since Chip Lohmiller.

The current stock reports show Washington should be more than mildly concerned about the situation at quarterback. The franchise is in a bind because of the commitment it made to Griffin, as well as his potential as a playmaker.

However, if he can't or won't refine the rough edges of his play, that potential will remain untapped. Meanwhile, alarm bells are justifiably ringing at safety. The team simply can't afford any more issues among its skeleton crew.

At least, the performances of Robinson and Amerson bode well for what should be a much-improved defense. If the offense continues to struggle, Haslett's unit might even have to carry the team.