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Joe Theismann wouldn’t pick Robert Griffin III as Redskins’ starting QB

Washington quarterbacks Robert Griffin III, left, and Kirk Cousins watch during a preseason game against New England on Aug. 7.
(Patrick Smith / Getty Images)
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Robert Griffin III told everyone via Twitter last week to “keep doubting”

Former Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann took the guy who currently holds that job at his word.

Theismann, in his role as a commentator for the Redskins Broadcast Network, basically said he would hand over the starting QB job to Griffin’s backup, Kirk Cousins, after another shaky preseason performance by RG3 and a stellar one by Cousins.

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“Kirk Cousins has played much better at the quarterback position than Robert Griffin III has,” Theismann said during the broadcast of the Redskins’ 23-17 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. “Now, Robert is learning to work out of a pocket. He doesn’t look as smooth or as comfortable throwing the football. I mean, your eyes will tell you everything you need to know.”

He added: “It’s going to be a decision that [Redskins Coach] Jay Gruden is going to have to make. Right now, Robert Griffin III is his quarterback. Now, if there was a quarterback competition, it wouldn’t be a competition. Kirk Cousins would be the man I believe he would have to go to, because of the efficiency with which he has run [the offense].”

Against the Ravens, Griffin completed five of eight passes for only 20 yards with an interception. Cousins completed 14 of 20 passes for 122 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. In three preseason games, Griffin is 13-20 for 141 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions; Cousins is 35-54 for 370 yards with four touchdowns and one interception.

Theismann acknowledged that Cousins has largely faced the opposition’s second-team defense, but said that doesn’t factor into his opinion.

“Your eyes don’t lie to you,” he said. “Robert has struggled in the limited opportunities that he has had. And Kirk Cousins has seized the opportunities that he has had when it comes to playing the position and understanding the offense.”

That may be true, but would “Kirk Cousins” sound as catchy as “RG3” in a fan-penned jingle?

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Twitter: @chewkiii

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