Redskins Q&A: Kirk Cousins, the other rookie QB
Kirk Cousins, the Washinton Redskins' fourth-round pick, grew up a fan of the Chicago Bears (Saturday's preseason opponent) and Rex Grossman (the guy who's job he could eventually take). But he's also playing behind the most hyped player in this year's draft, Robert Griffin III. Here's what he thinks of that situation.
Q: What's your relationship like with Robert [Griffin III]?
A: It's been a great relationship. Robert's a likeable guy. Neither of us are difficult people so not only would I say it's been a good relationship, but I have high expectations going forward. Obviously as quarterbacks we'll spend a lot of time together over the next months, years and I expect it to grow into a tight relationship.
Q: Are there perks to having someone else take the spotlight, allowing you to go about your business?
A: For me coming from Michigan State and the environment I was in, I'm used to being in a big environment with a lot of pressure on me. I put a lot of pressure on myself so I don't think any outside influences will change my approach on my day-to-day job regardless of what my role is on the team. It's a different situation than what I had in college now as a backup, but nonetheless, I'm working just as hard and I'm expecting great things in the future.
Q: How do you reconcile the fact you have a guy in front of you who is the franchise, and he's your age?
A: I have the long view in mind. If I someday am going to be as good as I hope to be then I'll get an opportunity, and if I'm not good enough then I won't. The way I see it is I need to develop day in and day out and get better and better. If at some point the coaches here or coaches elsewhere feel they see something in me that merits being a starting quarterback I'll get that opportunity. But I'm not going to sweat the day-to-day and what my role is. I need to have the long view in mind, and if I do that good things will come.
Q: What's the one thing you improved the most upon in camp?
A: I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable I was hearing the play in the headset [in the preseason opener], communicating it to the offense and knowing exactly what every guy was doing. That was a concern of mine, how second nature would this offense be. … Also, they emphasize here playing with your base and playing with your feet wide and making all your throws with a shoulder turn. That had never been emphasized prior to me coming here.
John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLWASor@John_Keim.
