Washington Redskins: 5 Early bold predictions for the 2017 season
By Donny Starr
The Washington Redskins have done a lot of work in the offseason to put together a team that can redeem their disappointing ending to the 2016 season.
The Washington Redskins fanbase has watched the moves, heard the talk and followed the drama; now it’s time to see results. The players are looking for good results as well as head coach Jay Gruden, who will be the play caller for the 2017 season, a result of former offensive coordinator Sean McVay heading West to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams.
What should we expect for the upcoming season? We’ve followed the Kirk Cousins contract saga. It’s time to look further and make new predictions. However, I must warn you: What you’re about to read will either leave you relieved or cursing me out. Either one is okay.
No matter how it ends up, here are five early bold predictions for Washington in 2017.
5. Cousins, Pryor become one of NFL’s best combos
I know, this goes against everything the analysts are saying. Many people have cited Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson or even Ryan Grant as the guy that will lead the Redskins in receptions.
One of the big factors in this choice is Pryor’s background as a former quarterback. Sharing that background with Cousins helps his deductive reasoning on the field, especially when Cousins is trying to make something out of nothing. When other receivers are running their routes Pryor will be thinking like a quarterback and moving to a location he would throw the ball.
This is going to help Cousins make better plays downfield and give the Redskins that deep threat they were hoping to get out of DeSean Jackson. While I never felt they used Jackson to his full potential, Pryor brings a new perspective and height as a target.
Everyone hoped the duo would be Jordan Reed and Cousins. Due to Reed’s injuries, that has not been the case. Pryor and Cousins are clicking, and that’s a good thing. We all get excited when Reed is on the field, but have also grown used to the cameo appearances. Pryor needs a good year to prove last season wasn’t a fluke.