Washington Redskins: Grading Kirk Cousins’ recent comments

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins attempted to move fans past talks about his contract status with grace.

Appearing on Redskins nation, Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins gave a glimpse of what to expect from what could be a new look to the Redskins offense. In regards to the new crop of wide receivers, Cousins said that many of the plays this season might cater to their height advantage:

"“When they’re covered they’re open and you can throw the ball high and away and let them go get it and we’re excited about that.”"

The Redskins signal-caller said he’s comfortable with head coach Jay Gruden calling the plays this season, citing his earlier history with the Cincinnati Bengals. Cousins said, “He had some young talent there, and was very successful getting those guys to the playoffs each and every year…He knows me and what I do well and how I like to think so from that standpoint there’s a lot of carryover…”

Cousins has a lot to prove in this category. While he may be taking plays from the head man, the question that remains is, can he convert in the red zone, and prove he can close the season with a playoff entry?

His numbers are great, and no can take that from his 2016 performance.  The real question is how much difference is there when it comes to taking plays directly from Gruden. Listening to Cousins talk you’d think it’s a simple change of the guard. However, this is going to be different. He’s not dealing with an offensive coordinator. He’s dealing with the man that could determine his fate as a Redskin.

Related Story: Why Kirk Cousins' contract is irrelevant

Let’s take a look some other things that Cousins had to say about himself, his team and so on throughout his interview with Redskins Nation

On his individual improvement: “Clearly putting up a bunch of yards isn’t the catch-all. That doesn’t mean you win games.”

This comment was big. Cousins knows that while his stats last season were phenomenal, you gotta win games. Confessing his awareness of this silences any doubt he’s a team player and not an individual brand. He was also stating the obvious. There were several games last season where he put up good stats and still took the L.

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This year he will need to have just as many wins in the block than yards thrown. Otherwise, people will think he is more concerned with his records and stats than winning games. While it doesn’t appear to be the situation at hand, losing games changes perceptions.

When asked about the secret to his success: “I think I’m still a work in progress. I’ll have to see what the secret was when it’s all said and done.”

Cousins took over a very shaky regime. Robert Griffin III was supposed to be at the helm right now. That’s years displaced, and he’s the man now. Being a work in progress doesn’t mean he doesn’t get the contract. There are several “works in progress” in the NFL that have contracts.

The Redskins have more pressing issues at hand, such as their defense. Spending everything on Cousins leaves nothing for building a team. Two times franchised gives him a chance to not only prove why he’s worth the money for his progress thus far, but guarantees a major payday.

About his contract status: Cousins aligned himself beside Gruden and praised team president Bruce Allen. He liked how Gruden acknowledged  they have him for this year and it’s time to move on. He said he’ in “a good place right now”.  These were unifying comments.

Cousins knows the market. He knows there’s no where to go. He also knows the Redskins don’t have a lot of choices when it comes to quarterbacks. Both parties deserve each other this season. If the Redskins front office wants to play this game, then it’s Cousins to win, not to prove. He did that last season.

He said these comments for the sake of the organization and to avoid distractions. In other words, he did them a favor and came out on the other side a hero. Well played, well played indeed. So what grade does the Washington

Cousins is on the same page with everyone.  There were more comments about the team status than his overall brand. That’s a good thing.

Next: Biggest 2017 offseason story for Redskins, each team

He’s ready to play, and ready to win. This is a quarterback worth keeping.