When Robert Griffin III went down with a dislocated ankle in Week 2, many NFL observers thought backup Kirk Cousins had a chance to unseat him as the starter if he played well enough. Four starts later, it appears as if that was just wishful thinking.
The Washington Redskins lost their fourth consecutive game on Sunday when they fell 30-20 to the Arizona Cardinals. It was the second time this season Cousins had thrown more interceptions (three) than touchdowns (two). Cousins has routinely been up and down while struggling with turnovers since taking over as the starting quarterback. His poor play has seemingly cost him an opportunity as the long term answer for the Redskins.
"With the door wide open for Cousins to stake his claim to lead the Washington Redskins, he appears to have pulled it shut by making too many major mistakes," wrote Jason Reid of the Washington Post.
"Although Cousins is far more advanced in the pocket than Griffin, his turnover problems should stir concern in the organization. Regardless of how Griffin performs after he returns to the lineup, how could the Redskins seriously consider sticking with Cousins, who is 0-4 as a starter this season, for the long haul? In his starts, Cousins has thrown eight touchdown passes, eight interceptions and lost a fumble.
"... With another season slipping away from the Redskins, Griffin will be back eventually. Once he returns, the Redskins must determine whether he's the long-term solution at quarterback. Cousins already has answered his part of the question."
Cousins is now 1-7 as a starter and the Redskins appear to be no closer to solving their long-standing mystery at the quarterback position. ESPN's Adam Caplan weighed in on Washington's issues under center.
"Robert Griffin III has been unable to sustain success since his rookie season in 2012. Whether it's based on injuries or inconsistency, the third-year pro doesn't look like the same player who burst onto the scene couple of years ago," Caplan wrote.
"It's very apparent that evaluating this player isn't easy. And keep in mind head coach Jay Gruden wasn't with the team when RG III was drafted. And for those suggesting QB Kirk Cousins, who was selected in the fourth round of that draft by the Redskins, to be the answer at the position, he has proved to be a very capable backup or spot starter, but hasn't shown he can sustain success over a prolonged period of time. Maybe he'll perform well enough this season in relief of Griffin to change some minds, but there's a decent chance that Washington's QB of the future isn't currently on the roster."
The Redskins (1-5) host the Tennessee Titans (2-4) this weekend.
