If the goal for the Washington football organization is to confuse anyone and everyone possible, mission accomplished.
There’s currently one less area of confusion. Per multiple sources, and confirming multiple reports, quarterback Kirk Cousins will start in Week One against Miami.
“He’s the head coach and it’s his call,” one source said. “All are on board with the process and support the coach.”
That’s consistent with our report from last night that there’s no schism between the coaching staff/front office and owner Daniel Snyder. The owner is letting the football people manage the football team, with G.M. Scot McCloughan deciding who is on the roster and coach Jay Gruden deciding who plays and who doesn’t.
Griffin remains cleared to practice but not play. The goal as of last night was to give Griffin until next week to re-take the concussion test, in the hopes that he’ll pass it. Gruden apparently wasn’t comfortable proceeding under the assumption that Griffin will be cleared in time for the game. That approach would have set the stage for another potential Griffin-is-cleared-no-he’s-not episode.
The fact that Cousins is getting the start may not be cause for celebrating and/or fantasy-football squatter’s rights. He showed promise against the Jaguars and Eagles last year before a Thursday night four-pick disaster against the Giants and an eventual benching for Colt McCoy.
Perhaps the goal this year is to throw Cousins to the wolves in Week One and Week Two (Dolphins and Rams) before putting Griffin on the field against the Giants, whose defense isn’t what it used to be.
Also, by then there’s a good chance fans will actually be clamoring for Griffin. Or maybe McCoy. Again.