RG3 Benched? Coach Shanahan Puts End To Rumors

After two horrendous starts, the masses are wondering if RG3 will be benched in Washington. The Redskins have a very capable backup in Kirk Cousins.

During his weekly press conference, coach Mike Shanahan addressed the questions surrounding RG3. He is the Redskins starting quarterback. There is nothing else to it.

There should be something else to it though. Statistically RG3 has put up good numbers. His quarterback rating is 89 and he has five touchdowns against three picks. Sadly, those numbers are padded by “garbage time” touchdowns. Don’t be fooled.

RG3 has looked anything but comfortable in his first two starts coming off of knee surgery. He’s not running like he did last season. Worse, he’s not stepping into his throws. His lack of energy appears contagious as well. The very talented Washington defense has given up big leads early.

Against the Packers on Sunday, the Redskins were down 24-0 by halftime. Against the Eagles in week one, they fell down 26-7 by halftime.

The Redskins need a change of pace. Benching RG3 could be the answer. Still, Shanahan doesn’t think his quarterback in the problem. He told reporters, “we’ve got a lot of confidence in Robert.” The, when asked whether it was time to turn to Cousins he laughed.

Shanahan could be right. RG3 missed the preseason. That’s normally when players get back into rhythm.

We also shouldn’t forget the Redskins started 3-6 last season before winning their final seven and making the playoffs. Patience is a virtue.

After two weeks the NFC East is still very much up for grabs. The Giants are 0-2, the Cowboys are 1-1, and the Eagles are 1-1. RG3 still has a week or two to find his footing. Kirk Cousins should be ready though.

Mike Shanahan can’t let his team fall to 0-3 or 0-4. If RG3 continues to play scared football he will have to consider a quarterback change.

Do you think RG3 should be benched? Is it already time to panic in Washington?

[image via Wikimedia Commons]