Gruden Says Start Cousins

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by hagams

I'm really on the fence about this. Ask yourself this:
- If RGIII were to get hurt his knee (again) in the next 4 games, how does that help us next year?

He would still miss all of the off-season rehabing. Treat the next 4 games like preseason IMO. Yes we need to play him. Yes he needs to develop. But as far as this year goes, why risk serious injury. This guy isn't taking small shots, and getting pushed over. He has 300 lbs+ guys body slamming him, getting blindsided. He is taking a beating. Hell, the track tried to take him out against the Giants. Way more risk than reward. Besides, let Kirk go 4-0 for the last games, and trade him for a 1st rounder.....gotta be someone dumb enough.

and this was my thinking. We all know and can agree he's not 100%... he still has the knee brace on. He's close, but not 100%. I understand development "IF" you have a decent OL who can block for you and give you time to learn all the things needed to be a pocket passer. But our OL is not blocking well, RG3 is getting punished which makes it difficult to learn anything. I'd start Cousins only for a couple reasons...1- it protects our franchise QB for next yr and allows him to finish healing, ...2- Cousins gets to show off his skills and value for a possible trade in the offseason for draft picks or for the possible new HC that steps in.

I know the latter does not sound good but... what if the new HC comes in and say's no I'm not running this spread thing and there are a couple things I don't like that RG3 does. I want Cousins who knows how to play from the pocket. Atleast he would have film to make that decision.