Who's Gonna Start?

[DarthMonk]

The Washington Redskins are going to put a quarterback on the field Sunday. Which one remains shrouded in mystery.

"I can't tell you all that," Griffin told The Associated Press after Wednesday's practice. "First, I don't want to give the Cleveland Browns a competitive advantage. And I don't want to let anybody down, so I don't want to say that I'll be playing and end up not playing."

Backup Kirk Cousins was equally covert when asked about his status, indicating that Redskins quarterbacks have been muzzled this week.

"I was advised not to comment on the rep distribution," Cousins said. "So I'm sorry, but I'm not going to say anything along those lines, just to protect my team and give us the best chance to win on Sunday."

RG3 went so far as to admit that his limited non-contact work in Wednesday's practice was partly for show.

"Coming out here and doing what I did in practice, it's kind of a showcase for you guys to see me move around, and that I'm not on crutches or limping or anything like that," Griffin said. "But it's also for (my teammates) to see that I'm OK, and if I do step out there between those lines that they don't have to worry about me."

The Redskins (7-6) are fighting for their playoff lives, so the secrecy comes as little surprise. It's been effective, with reports out of Cleveland stating the Browns have spent time preparing for both signal-callers. When he's not playing the role of Cousins, Browns backup passer Colt McCoy is being used to double as RG3 for the scout team this week, according to ESPNCleveland.com's Tony Grossi.

It's encouraging that Griffin suited up Wednesday. The rookie passer appears to have dodged a bullet with the sprained lateral collateral ligament he suffered in his right knee against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday -- and we've said this all along: We expect RG3 to play.


Might we play both? Any chance we play one on 1st and 2nd downs while the other plays on 3rd and more than 3 yards or something like that?

Any chance Banks is activated to give him a chance to "respond?" If so, I'd expect some fireworks - one way or another.

DarthMonk

[riggofan]

Might we play both? Any chance we play one on 1st and 2nd downs while the other plays on 3rd and more than 3 yards or something like that?

Let's hope not.

[aswas71788]

Just like Shanahan to do something like this. I don't think we will know who starts until one of them walks onto the field. Have confidence that no matter who starts, the Redskins will win.

[riggofan]

Just like Shanahan to do something like this.

Its just like any good coach to do this. Why not make the other team try to prepare for two QBs?

[Mississippiskinsfan2]

Both of them will play. After RG3 puts up 35 in the frist half they will take him out

[SkinsJock]

Just like Shanahan to do something like this.

Its just like any good coach to do this. Why not make the other team try to prepare for two QBs?

TOTALLY agree - this is not 'typical' of Mike - this is the right thing to do - any and all HCs would take the same approach if they could

IMO - Griffin feels like he gives the team that best chance and he'll go - IF Griffin feels at all like his play might be 'affected' he would not be starting

I'm sure that he plays and that Kyle and Mike will slightly tweak the play calling

we can win this game with either QB - we need to eliminate the silly penalties

this Redskins team will not be denied a shot at the NFC East

[Deadskins]

Might we play both? Any chance we play one on 1st and 2nd downs while the other plays on 3rd and more than 3 yards or something like that?

Not like that, no. But I could see Cousins getting the start, and if he's not doing so well, or we really need a spark, RGIII coming off the bench to play the second half.

[SkinsJock]

I still think that RG3 get's to play and help his guys win this game - he's THE man here now - He's just too damn good

This team will not be denied and is going to be really ready to play well


RG3 is starting and leading this team by example

[markshark84]

I think that RGIII will dress for the game. I'm just not sure he'll start.

Depending on the extent of RGIII's injury, (if not >90%) I would start Cousins and if he struggles put in RGIII. If Cousines plays well, it all worked out. If RGIII is close to 100% then no question he goes.

Side note --- I love that CLE is preparing for RGIII with McCOY of all people. Whose idea was that? They should be using Cribbs.

On that note, Cribbs is one of the best KO returners in the game. I hope Kai can get eliminate that threat in some way come sunday.

[SkinsJock]

I think that RGIII will dress for the game. I'm just not sure he'll start.

Depending on the extent of RGIII's injury, (if not >90%) I would start Cousins and if he struggles put in RGIII. If Cousins plays well, it all worked out. If RGIII is close to 100% then no question he goes.

I'll buy that - I just think that RG3 is cleared to go and he'll be fine
AGAIN - I don't think we'll lose this game with Kirk as QB - either is good enough to get the job done
WE JUST HAVE TO NOT LOSE THE GAME

Side note --- I love that CLE is preparing for RGIII with McCOY of all people. Whose idea was that? They should be using Cribbs.

On that note, Cribbs is one of the best KO returners in the game. I hope Kai can get eliminate that threat in some way come sunday.

I think the same guys that didn't REALLY want to trade up for RG3

If we score a lot the good news is we'll be kicking off a lot

the bad news is we'll be kicking off a lot to Cribbs - that boy is good

HOPEFULLY the Redskins' ST coverage brings their A game

[tribeofjudah]

Let's hope that the Poster..........does not put a VooDoo hex on our team.


HTTR

[44diesel]

Let's hope that the Poster..........does not put a VooDoo hex on our team.


HTTR

Don't even say the name. It's like Beetlejuice.

[riggofan]

I think that RGIII will dress for the game. I'm just not sure he'll start.

Depending on the extent of RGIII's injury, (if not >90%) I would start Cousins and if he struggles put in RGIII. If Cousins plays well, it all worked out. If RGIII is close to 100% then no question he goes.

I'll buy that - I just think that RG3 is cleared to go and he'll be fine

[/quote]

So let me get this straight. If RGIII is less than 90% you would start Cousins. But if Cousins struggles, you would then go ahead and put in the injured RGIII?

I'd suspect if RGIII isn't well enough to start the game, he's probably not the best bet to relieve Cousins down a few scores late in a game or something along those lines.

[SkinsJock]

I'd agree - if RG3 is cleared to play he's starting the game

are you kidding me - why would you not start him?


he's got a mild sprain and he's been practicing - he's starting guys!


the quotes by Mike is just typical Mike BS - this HC of ours can't lie straight in bed

[The Hogster]

Well seeing how the front page of the Washington Post--not the Sports Section--the ENTIRE PAPER includes this picture of RGIII stretching his right leg. I don't see how he doesn't play this week.

HAIL

[riggofan]

hah. That is awesome.

[SkinsJock]

Is there any doubt that RG3 is starting? .... really

and I look for Mike & Kyle to use the pistol formation and even include some running plays from it

[markshark84]

I think that RGIII will dress for the game. I'm just not sure he'll start.

Depending on the extent of RGIII's injury, (if not >90%) I would start Cousins and if he struggles put in RGIII. If Cousins plays well, it all worked out. If RGIII is close to 100% then no question he goes.

I'll buy that - I just think that RG3 is cleared to go and he'll be fine

So let me get this straight. If RGIII is less than 90% you would start Cousins. But if Cousins struggles, you would then go ahead and put in the injured RGIII?

I'd suspect if RGIII isn't well enough to start the game, he's probably not the best bet to relieve Cousins down a few scores late in a game or something along those lines.

Yes. Why not? The reasoning is that an injury of where you are less than 90% has a greater likelihood of re-injury. As such you would not want to place RGIII in a position to reinjure unless we were going to loss the game. Therefore, you start KC, see how he does. If he is playing like Weeden in week 1, you take the risk with RGIII as this is a huge game. If KC comes in and plays like he did last week, then you don't have to.

And in terms of your second paragraph: 80% RGIII > 100% KC. No question. So I just disagree with your opinion on that. RGIII coming back in will create an "attitude" and momentum switch that would have a significant effect on the players around him. He would have the ability to bring them back.

[Burgundy&Wha?]

Well seeing how the front page of the Washington Post--not the Sports Section--the ENTIRE PAPER includes this picture of RGIII stretching his right leg. I don't see how he doesn't play this week.

HAIL

SHOCKING that The Washington Post would share critical information with the enemy!

The thing I find funny in the article is that Colt McCoy is being used as the stand in for RG III on their scout team. I hope their defense keys in on Colt pretty well. Should be comical noticing the difference if RG III is on the field. Think that D might react a bit......late?

[SkinsJock]

I really don't think it matters much - the Browns have to prepare for both QBs and they will

The Redskins should give Kirk a little more time/reps this week and they will

Robert Griffin III is the captain and THE force on this team - IF he's able to play, he WILL start - NO DOUBT about it


the only people using the word "injury" are the media and the Redskins staff - well the Browns may be also - they're hoping& PRAYING that he's 'slightly injured'

RG3 has a mild sprain and is probably in better physical shape than most other players at this time of the season

RG3 WILL start - the only thing that will get him out of this game is if we decide to let Kirk Cousins get some 'clean-up' time

WHY would even consider not playing him if he's able to play - HE's NOT INJURED

[grampi]

Well seeing how the front page of the Washington Post--not the Sports Section--the ENTIRE PAPER includes this picture of RGIII stretching his right leg. I don't see how he doesn't play this week.

HAIL

I do. A sprain, even a very mild one doesn't heal in just a few days...I see Cousins starting...

[SkinsJock]

no worries grampi - I can understand that ..

the fact that the Redskins could win the NFC East with just 1 loss by the giants AND us winning out makes this game kind of big

We actually don't have too much pressure to win as the giants could quite easily lose the next 2 games

I look for the Redskins to try and finish this season 10-6


THAT would be a HUGE deal for everyone here


actually, maybe we get lucky ... the OC could get a HC job with all the teams that will be needing a HC

[riggofan]

Yes. Why not? The reasoning is that an injury of where you are less than 90% has a greater likelihood of re-injury.

LOL. Is that a medical fact? Let me check webmd...

I get what you're saying, just don't agree with the logic. Bring in RGIII late in the game if KC doesn't do well? In that scenario, you're probably down a score or two. So you bring in your injured QB who is going to be under greater pressure to scramble and make plays. Playing from behind, its also likely that the defense knows you're passing more and using Morris less. AND the defense knows your QB has a sprained knee, so he is even more of a target.

If you're worried about getting your QB injured, I'm not sure that's a great strategy.

I think RGIII is either healthy enough to play or he isn't. Just MHO.

[SkinsJock]

I still feel that RG3 is ready to play and that he will start .. don't see any reason to change

I will add that I hear that Jay Glazer is "reporting'" that RG3 has not taken any reps with the 1st unit this week ..


I'm not sure how reliable that 'report' is ... I'm hoping that RG3 is able to go ... but

I have NO DOUBT we win this game with either QB ... and it would be a huge PLUS for many reasons to NOT use RG3

can you imagine how much trade value ..... NO, STOP THAT !!!!!

OK - 1 GAME AT A TIME

C'mon, KC - bring it on - this one's for you

[SkinsJock]

word is out that Kirk will be starting - I stand by my earlier post

no matter who the QB is we 'win'

this is a great opportunity for Kirk and the Redskins


gotta love this ...