Frustrated by their lack of scoring over the last four weeks, during which they have averaged 12.3 points, Redskins are preparing to give quarterback Kirk Cousins his first start of the season and just the second of his career Week 15 at Atlanta.
They've picked a good time to ease him in. The Falcons rank 20th against the pass, surrendering 245.8 yards per game. They've also allowed the highest quarterback rating and the fourth-most Fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Then again, they stepped up against an inexperienced quarterback last week, sacking the Packers' Matt Flynn five times. Flynn still threw for 258 yards and a touchdown, but the point is the Falcons won't just roll over for Cousins.
The Redskins as a whole are in disarray right now, with unrest at head coach as well as quarterback, so the environment isn't right for Cousins to succeed. Why take a chance on him at this crucial stage of the season?