December 17, 2012
Ceci Ferrara
Sports Writer
Sports Insider
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
No RG3? No problem. Playing against the Browns on Sunday, the Redskins proved themselves a force to be reckoned with, even without their star quarterback. While Robert Griffin III said he felt he could have played, Redskins management was not taking chances. They scratched him late Saturday night, announcing that backup and fourth-round draft pick quarterback Kirk Cousins would start.
Cousins was shaky at first, completing just one of his first six passes for four yards. He also threw an interception and took a sack, making fans wonder if third-string quarterback Rex Grossman might make an appearance.
It must have been first game jitters, however, because Cousins rebounded in spectacular fashion, finishing twenty-seven of thirty-six for 329 yards and two touchdowns. He even ran the ball, contributing twenty-two yards in the Redskins’ 38-21 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Cousins’ impressive performance now has some fans wondering if he is too good to be a backup and if the Redskins can afford to trade him. After the game, Cousins was not overly concerned about the future, instead relishing his day in the spotlight. “It’s a day I will remember for a long time,” he told reporters. “If I die tomorrow, I can say I started a game in the NFL and we won. It’s a good feeling.”
Afterward Griffin seemed content, despite his earlier frustration at being sidelined. “It was a great business trip for us,” he said. “I got healthier by not playing, we won the game, and put ourselves in position to control our own destiny.
With two games left in the regular season, the Redskins now lead the NFC East, despite holding the same record (8-6) as both the Giants and the Cowboys. The Skins take the lead due to their division record, but that could change quickly as both of their final games will be played against division rivals Philadelphia and Dallas. While many Skins fans are planning to purchase playoff tickets and some fantasize about a Superbowl appearance, the best approach is the same one the Redskins take every week: one game at a time.
Wizards
The Wizards have won just three of their twenty-one games this season. Despite one of those wins coming against the star-studded Miami Heat, these are not the type of numbers that excite fans or players. It does not help to have played the entire season thus far without their most exciting player: John Wall.
Wall, the number one draft pick in 2010, has been on the bench all season with a knee injury, unable to participate even in a full-length practice. He is hopeful that his knee will respond to treatment and heal the “right way,” saying he does not think he will miss the entire season.
The Wizards, who most recently lost in an embarrassing 102-72 blowout to the Heat, could certainly use Wall’s offensive skills and the excitement he brings to the team and its fan base. But if his knee keeps him sidelined, it is probable the 3-18 Wizards are in for a long winter.
