The Washington Redskins and Jacksonville Jaguars face off during the first half of an NFL preseason football game in Landover, Md., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The announcement on Aug. 31 that Kirk Cousins would be the starting quarterback of Washington’s NFL team has raised more questions than answers for the team.
Did head coach Jay Gruden take a step in the right direction by benching Robert Griffin III? Is Cousins being set up for failure? What’s next for RG3?
Amid the quarterback controversy, all eyes were on wide receiver Rashad Ross during Washington’s 17-16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the preseason finale on Sept. 3 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.
Washington Redskins wide receiver Rashad Ross (19) breaks a tackle from Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Rashaad Reynolds (40) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game in Landover, Md., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Ross finished the preseason with a strong outing, catching 10 passes for 103 yards and one touchdown. He also returned four punts for 28 yards. He proved his versatility and value, but Washington already has depth at the wide receiver position.
Ross is up against 2015 sixth-round draft pick Evan Spencer for one roster spot, if Washington keeps six wideouts. If Washington cuts Ross, it’s likely another team will pick him up.
Ross is just one of several players battling to make the final cut to Washington’s 53-man roster.
Outside linebacker Jackson Jeffcoat also impressed in his last chance to wow the coaches. Jeffcoat has four sacks this season—one in every game—including one against Jacksonville third-string quarterback Stephen Morris.
Washington Redskins running back Mack Brown (37) leaps over Jacksonville Jaguars free safety Josh Evans (26) and past linebacker Todd Thomas (44) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game in Landover, Md., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
After Ross’ 19-yard touchdown in the first quarter, Jacksonville responded with a scoring drive that lasted just 46 seconds. Running back Corey Grant escaped Washington’s linebackers for a 40-yard touchdown to even the score.
Washington kicked a field goal to retake the lead, 10-7.
After kicker Kai Forbath missed a 56-yard field goal in the third quarter, the Jaguars took the lead for the first time with Morris’ throw to wide open receiver Bryan Walters.
Washington rookie running back Mack Brown later scored a three-yard rushing touchdown, but the team missed a two-point conversion. Jacksonville’s game-winning
Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) turns out of the pocket during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Landover, Md., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
play came on a 47-yard field goal.
Cornerback DeAngelo Hall was the lone defensive starter to take the field in the first quarter. Hall needed the work, as he missed last season with an Achilles injury.
Washington backup quarterback Colt McCoy played the entire game, completing 22 of 33 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown. McCoy also fumbled a snap and was sacked three times.
Washington’s regular season kicks off with an at home match-up against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13 at 1 p.m.
