Washington Commanders

Kyle Shanahan believes in Kirk Cousins' future at quarterback

Published Jun. 8, 2015 1:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

When finally given the chance to take over the reigns as the Washington Redskins' starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins disappointed in 2014.

After an excellent first start that created buzz throughout Virginia, Cousins eventually lost four of six starts while throwing nine interceptions. He was benched during the Week 7 game against the Titans.

Still, not all is lost for Cousins. He enters 2015 with a clean slate, another year in Jay Gruden's offensive scheme and former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's ringing endorsement.

"Kirk's one of the sharper guys I've been around," Shanahan said, per ESPN.com. "He processes things so fast. He lets it rip. He's as tough as can be."

Cousins continues to work with the second team offense while Robert Griffin III operates with the first unit. That is not set in stone, and a strong training camp could sway Gruden to make the change and give Cousins another chance in his offensive system.

Cousins can win Gruden over by displaying an excellent grasp of the scheme. Gruden mentioned earlier this offseason that this was an area where Griffin needs to show rapid improvement.

(h/t ESPN)

Photo Credit: Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports