Captain Kirk and the Deadskin Enterprise

Captain Kirk and the Deadskin Enterprise

 

 

Before the NFL season started there were grumblings both in Washington and around the NFL about whether Kirk Cousins was a better QB than RGIII, especially in the system being implemented by Jay Gruden. Whether the answer was true or not, the organization invested way too much into Griffin just to cast him off to the bench. He was going to get every opportunity and have the longest leash possible. However, because Griffin is Mr. Glass from Unbreakable, his almost guaranteed injury came early in the season, and forced Washington’s hand. They had no choice but to play Cousins. Unfortunately for Griffin he may have to take a seat next to Wally Pipp in the sporting lore. If Cousins continues to impress the way he has, Griffin will be packing his bags out of Washington and finding employment elsewhere.

When Griffin went down and Cousins came in, Jay Gruden didn’t necessarily sound like a head coach who just lost his franchise player and was on the verge of his season being over. In Gruden’s mind he knows Cousins is a much better fit to be running his offense but couldn’t state it publicly given the investment in Griffin. Cousins and the Skins hung in punch for punch with the high powered Eagles offense last Sunday in what was definitely the game of the year thus far. Although he came away the loser Cousins showed just how effective he can be.

This week, with only three days’ rest, Cousins and the Skins face another division opponent in Eli Manning and the New York Giants. Thus far the Giants have been a disappointment but they are coming off their best game of the season. That may have more to do with Ryan Fitzpatrick coming back down to Earth than their actual play outside of Rashad Jennings but a win is a win. I see the Giants problems continuing tonight heading to The Nation’s Capital.

The Redskins have done a fantastic job of stopping the run which will be the #1 priority with Jennings coming to town. Eli hasn’t been terrible in the new offense but his weapons certainly have been. Forcing him to win the game and rely on guys he may still not have complete confidence in a recipe for success. Add in the fact that the Giants defense has had a problem getting to the QB and forcing turnovers (Fitzpatrick aside), and Cousins should have enough time to hit his receivers along with The Butler Alfred Morris finding holes and running all over Big Blue.

The NFC East may not be what it once was but there is still competition here. The Eagles cannot take their 3-0 start for granted. The Redskins are lurking and have shown they can hang with them, and Dallas could still surprise some, although the jury is still out on them at 2-1. Either way I see this being a long night and a long season for the most likely cellar dwellers from Jersey.

 

Final Score Prediction: Skins 31 Giants 17