Griffin, Cousins quite a rookie QB tandem

ASHBURN, VA. — Not-sobreaking news: A rookie will start at quarterback for the Washington Redskins on Sunday.

Be it Robert Griffn III or Kirk Cousins, it will be a rookie who’s been a part of a unique situation, part of a tandem that has learned the NFL through an ofiseason program and camp specially designed by a coaching stafi prepping two quarterbacks new to the league.

All along, the other rookie has been there by his side, at practices and meetings. Someone in the same situation. Someone to grow with.

“I see him more than I see most anybody in my life,” Cousins said. “Because of how many hours we’re here, because we’re both rookies.”

If two are better than one, then the Redskins (7-6) should be in better shape than most teams turning to a ffirst-year backup should Cousins have to start against Cleveland (5-8).

“We’ve both had to learn a lot when it comes to living the NFL life, so we have done that together,” Cousins said. “They’ve had to install plays with both of us there, rather than being by myself if I was on another team with a veteran quarterback. You don’t see it a lot — two rookie quarterbacks at one and two on the depth chart.”

The Redskins traded up to select Griffn at No. 2 overall and anointed him the starter. Cousins was chosen in the fourth round.

Cousins validated the wisdom of his selection with his performance after Griffn was injured in the overtime win against Baltimore. Cousins went 2 for 2 and ran in the gametying 2-point conversion in the ffinal minute of regulation of the 31-28 victory.

“It worked out like Coach wanted it to,” Griffn said. “You’ve got two guys coming in, so we’re both having to learn the system.”

Griffn sprained a ligament in his right knee in the game and has been limited in practice this week. If he’s not ready to go by Sunday, the Redskins like what they have in Cousins.