Kirk Cousins Beats out Robert Griffin III to Win Redskins QB Battle

With Robert Griffin III still working his way back from a concussion, head coach Jay Gruden confirmed Kirk Cousins is the team's starting quarterback on Monday and will be under center in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins.

Brian McNally of 106.7 The Fan passed along Gruden's confirmation, with the head coach saying "it's Kirk's team," per Ross Jones of Fox Sports.

ESPN's Dianna Marie Russini reported on Aug. 29 that a combination of RG3's poor play and questionable health had the Redskins strongly considering the possibility of utilizing Cousins as their starter when the regular season commences. On Monday morning, she revealed that the "team was told by staff Cousins will start against the Dolphins."

Prior to the decision, Twitter user David Meslar posted a photo of the Redskins' season-opener ticket, declaring how "awkward" it would be if Cousins was indeed named the starter:

RG3 was the 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year, but it has been all downhill since he suffered a knee injury during that season's playoffs. The 25-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner was especially bad last year, as he threw for 1,694 yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions in seven starts (nine games).

As pointed out by ESPN Stats & Info, Cousins was more efficient and successful in his opportunities despite not being great in his own right:

The 27-year-old Cousins has shown flashes of competence at the NFL level since Washington selected him with a fourth-round draft pick in 2012. He threw for 1,710 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2014, but his nine interceptions suggest he must do a better job of protecting the football.

Based on the notion that RG3 is no longer the rushing threat he once was because of the injuries that have piled up over the course of his NFL career, Cousins may now be the better option.

Cousins may not ultimately be the answer the Redskins are looking for under center. But since he is more durable than Griffin at this juncture, it's not surprising that Gruden has tabbed him as the starter.  

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