Jay Gruden Names Kirk Cousins the Washington Starter for the Entire 2015 Season
By Jason Lisk
Jay Gruden named Kirk Cousins the starter, not just for Game 1 while Robert Griffin III is still waiting to be cleared of a concussion, but for the entire season. As Ron Burgundy might say, that escalated quickly.
On the other hand, it has been a slow burn, with issues between Gruden and Griffin being present since the outset. Washington’s decision to extend Robert Griffin III by picking up his fifth-year option was a curious decision at the time. I referenced how it would put pressure to not play him if there were any questions. His 2016 salary is guaranteed for injury only, meaning that Washington could release him after this year, as long as he can pass the year end physical. Make no mistake, that’s playing a factor here, and you are far more likely to see Colt McCoy on a field vs. Griffin.
It is funny that someone has to name someone else the starter for the entire year. You don’t see that in these close competitions. Hell, you don’t see it with the stars, even though it is implicit. No one is out there letting you know that Aaron Rodgers is being officially named the starter for the entire year.