Most FOs are younger than the captain and as a result have faster reflexes. They are also capable of flying the aircraft just as accurately (or even more so) as their colleagues. So getting them to fly when things are going badly makes a great deal of sense.
PM
Meaning that F/O's have faster reflexes when heads down on autopilot pushing buttons.
From all the bumpf I have been reading about manual flying skills degradation (automation addiction) it appears that most pilots (captains and first officers alike) are in the same boat.