Fans expect to see the second team starting the fourth and final preseason game, in which resting the starters is sort of a time-honored NFL tradition. That was not the case at FedEx Field on Wednesday night, where fans were treated to the third-string quarterbacks when the Washington Redskins took on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Preseason Game 4 Is For 3rd-String QBs
The Bucs rolled out Brett Ratliff, who threw two interceptions and was 7-for-12 midway through the third quarter. Washington at least gave fans a look at one of this year's draft picks -- quarterback Kirk Cousins. He was 15-for-27 with 222 yards and an interception with 10 minutes left in the third quarter.
The Redskins surprised fans and media members alike when they plucked the former Michigan St. Spartans quarterback out of the fourth round of the draft, having selected Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III three rounds earlier.
The only teams to open with their starting quarterbacks were the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins. Rookie Ryan Tannehill was in the game to get a few more reps before Miami's season starts, while Eli Manning started against the Patriots to work with top receiver Hakeem Nicks, who was seeing his first preseason action after being sidelined with injury.
We remind you: Fans pay full price for preseason games, the same cost as the regular season.
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