Written by John Keim at ESPN.com
The Washington Redskins have their starting quarterback under contract for this season. Beyond that, there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding Kirk Cousins’ future in Washington. That’s why the Redskins must have backup plans.
They could always opt to trade him later this spring. They have told him they won’t do so, but sometimes thinking changes when reality sets in. Or Cousins could play out this season and, barring a third use of the franchise tag, hit the open market next offseason.
Either way, the Redskins need alternatives. Here’s a look at their current options:
Colt McCoy
Pro: He knows the offense well and has earned the trust of the coaching staff. If not for a neck injury late in 2014, he would have ended the season as the starter. McCoy plays with a moxie that coach Jay Gruden appreciates. It gives McCoy the ability to lead and also to extend plays when nothing is available. His knowledge of the offense helps compensate for shortcomings, allowing him to throw with anticipation. At times in training camp practices, for example, he’ll throw an out route and the ball will arrive just as the receiver turns around — and the defensive back has no shot. McCoy has worked for several offseasons with Tom House, a former major league pitcher. That work, focusing on resistance bands, medicine balls and dumbbells, has “significantly helped me as far as throwing the ball,” McCoy said. It also helped fully heal the shoulder injury he suffered in college.
Con: He hasn’t shown for a full season what he can do. He started 13 games in his second season, throwing 14 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions for Cleveland. He’s viewed by most as a solid backup. Questions persist about his arm strength and durability. Those doubts will remain until he gets another chance to sink or swim. McCoy said his arm is stronger, thanks to his work with House. His ability to extend plays also leads to more hits. In 2014, for example, McCoy was sacked 17 times in 128 pass attempts while Cousins that same year was sacked eight times in 204. It will lead to some good plays; it also will lead to more potential injuries for someone who is 6-foot-1, 215 pounds. Teammates say McCoy has more of a gunslinger mentality than Cousins, which can lead to big plays, both good and bad.
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