DAVIE, Fla. -- The Washington Redskins sent shock waves through the NFL when reports first surfaced that the team would bench former No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III in favor of backup Kirk Cousins to start the regular season. Redskins coach Jay Gruden confirmed the quarterback switch on Monday.

The Miami Dolphins are the first opponent to face the Cousins-led Redskins, in Week 1 of the regular season. News of Washington's quarterback change circulated inside Miami's locker room on Monday, as the team must adjust preparation for its Sept. 13 game.

"With RG III, you got to prepare for the element of a guy that can run the ball. With Cousins, you're talking about a more traditional quarterback," Dolphins safety Michael Thomas said. "We understand that. Both guys have starting capability. So we're going to prepare for [Cousins] like anybody else. We give him respect, but we're going to go out and try to get after him."

The Dolphins are not overlooking Cousins. The quarterback switch makes this Week 1 game more unpredictable for Miami.

Starting middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard said he hasn't seen a lot of tape on Cousins, who has just nine career starts, but that is about to change over the next two weeks. Sheppard also said he has heard nothing but good things about Cousins and expects a challenge.

"My best friend actually plays linebacker for them -- Perry Riley, No. 56 -- and he says he's a really good quarterback," Sheppard said. "Everything I hear about [Cousins] is his football IQ is high, he has a good arm, can make all the throws and is good in their offensive scheme. So everything I've ever heard on him has been good and positive."

The Dolphins still have one preseason game remaining, Thursday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Miami isn't expected to play its starters much, if at all. The primary goal will be staying healthy for Washington.