The situation in terms of Cousins and Wilson is identical; both players were not given any legitimate chance to start and have outperformed the supposed starters at the position. The reaction, by media and fans alike, reveals the double standard clearly. If both Cousins and Wilson have achieved their results vs. 2nd and 3rd teamers, then why is that only an issue for Cousins?
No matter how much they paid Flynn, they signed him as a free agent and it was thought by everyone that he'd be the starter. The fact that Carroll never anointed him as such is baffling in and of itself. If T.O. doesn't drop that perfectly thrown bomb from Flynn, how different does his performance seem?
The situation is also identical to the one the Redskins faced in the mid 1990s. Heath Shuler was drafted third overall, and Gus Frerotte was the scrappy underdog. Why was RGIII made the starter from the moment he walked onstage at the draft? Shuler was instantly despised by the same fans that adored RGIII just as quickly. He was never made the starter and always had to look over his shoulder. The media in Washington, led by Sonny Jurgensen, started demanding the team start Frerotte during his rookie preseason. There is no one in that same media market who would dare to suggest RGIII not be the unquestioned starter, no matter how poorly he plays. In fact, I'd wager they'd lose their job if they did so.
Wilson is too small for the position and will not succeed in a conventional offense at this level. Cousins has immense talent and went to the wrong team. He will continue to show well whenever he plays. If RGIII continues to struggle, you will hear more grumbling from those courageous enough to criticize this magical figure who is on several commercials even though he hasn't started his regular season career.