Washington was humiliated by the New York Giants at FedEx Field on Thursday Night Football, beaten 45-14 to drop their record to 1-3. Perhaps the most embarrassing performance goes to Kirk Cousins, who threw four interceptions and lost a fumble in defeat.
Jay Gruden says Washington’s loss wasn’t on Kirk Cousins
Despite a horrific performance from quarterback Kirk Cousins, the first-year head coach is laying blame on the entire team for Thursday’s loss to the Giants.
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After the game, head coach Jay Gruden refused to lay blame for the blowout at the feet of his third-year quarterback, per the Washington Post.
"By no means can we put the blame on Kirk for this one," Redskins Coach Jay Gruden said. "This was a total team debacle."
Cousins, who was making his second start this season in place of the injured Robert Griffin, completed 19-of-33 passes for 257 yards while effectively ending the game in the second half with four interceptions. Cousins came into the game with five touchdowns against one pick, but showed his inexperience against the talented Giants secondary.
The former Michigan State star was sacked twice but hit four times, facing pressure behind a battered offensive line. On his last interception, Cousins was hit as he released the ball, allowing Antrel Rolle to catch what amounted to a lazy fly ball. Colt McCoy came in for the last possession before time expired.
Cousins admitted to pressing for a big play as the contest wore on, especially once Washington began to fall behind by a considerable margin.
“I was trying to get everything back in one play and you can’t do that,” Cousins said. “That’s not the way it’s going to come back. I was starting to force things and do too much and didn’t stay true to my reads. I’ve got to learn from it, but not a good outing tonight.”
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