Kirk Cousins to start over RGIII for Redksins

Recently, Washington Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan, made the decision to sit out starting QB Robert Griffin III for the last 3 games of the season.

Instead, veteran team quarterback Kirk Cousins will start in his place.

This decision has been baffling to some, but makes a lot of sense to others.

Not only is Griffin a Team Captain, but he’s the arguably the best player, and the face of the Redskins franchise.

Coach Shanahan has said this decision was made primarily to protect Griffin. This makes sense- Griffin came into the season coming off a serious injury received during the playoffs last year. And, Griffin has taken a serious amount of hits this season. From sacks, hurries, and rushes, Griffin has altogether been hit 102 times this year- the second most out of any quarterback for this season.

But as some argue, if Shanahan was really worried about Griffin’s health, why sit him out now when the season’s almost over? Why didn’t Shanahan sit him out for the first couple games of the season, when it was still questionable as to whether or not Griffin was fully recovered from his injury? Right now, Griffin is healthy, and probably puzzled as to why he, one of the most popular QB’s in the league, has to end out the season on the sidelines.

But let’s also keep in mind that it’s not like Griffin has been playing amazingly this season. In fact, the Redskins season has been pretty terrible. They have a 3-10 record, and are last in their division. Griffin isn’t the sole reason why the Redskins have not been playing well, but still his statistics are still pretty low.

As of right now, it is unclear what the decision to start Cousins means for next season. But even if Cousins plays a great 3 games, Griffin will still most likely be the starter next year. But what’s even more questionable is whether or not Shanahan will still be the Coach.  After all, He has said he has planned to leave at the end of last year. And his current decision to bench Griffin has reportedly not been sitting well with Dan Snyder, the Redksins franchise owner.

The Redksins will play the Falcons this Sunday at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons have an equal record of 3-10.