The Washington Redskins are the NFC East Champions in 2015, and a major reason for that has been their quarterback Kirk Cousins.
In the 2012 NFL Draft, the Redskins gave up a haul to move up in the draft to select Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick. The Redskins were in a desperate need for a franchise quarterback, and Griffin looked like the real deal after Andrew Luck was selected with the first overall pick.
More nfl spin zone: What were the greatest offenses in NFL history?
The decision to trade away a lot for Griffin looked like a good one for the Redskins in his rookie season, as he played very well and helped lead the Redskins into the playoffs in his first year. Griffin looked like he was going to be a star in the NFL, but injuries and some turmoil in the coaching staff for the Redskins have derailed the progress of Griffin, and he eventually lost his job to Cousins.
More from Washington Commanders
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
- Washington Commanders: Jahan Dotson primed for second-year jump
- NFL: Will Commanders reach expectations under new ownership in 2023?
- Washington Commanders 3 bold predictions heading into 2023 season
- Malik Willis should be on the Washington Commanders radar
Cousins was selected in the fourth round of the same draft, which was rather shocking after the haul the Redskins had to give away to select the person that they thought would be their franchise quarterback.
A few years later, the Redskins are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2012, and this time, it is Cousins who is under center for the Redskins.
Coming into the 2015 season, Cousins has gotten a good amount of playing time for the Redskins, as injuries cost Griffin a lot of time. Cousins never played particularly great when given the chance to be the starter in Washington, as, before this season, Cousins had totaled 18 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.
Cousins has started in every game this season for the Redskins, and there has been a very noticeable improvement in his game. This season, Cousins has totaled 3,990 passing yards, 26 touchdown passes, and 11 interceptions.
In the first six games of the season, Cousins and the Redskins weren’t playing all that well, as he totaled a 2-4 record, six touchdown passes, and eight interceptions. There is no denying that the turning point of the season for the Redskins and Cousins was against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In the 31-30 come-from-behind win against the Buccaneers, Cousins totaled 317 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. The video of Cousins’ enthusiasm after the win went viral, and the Redskins have been a different team since.
As the Redskins have been pushing towards the playoffs in the past few weeks, Cousins has been elite in their last two games. Against the Buffalo Bills, Cousins totaled 319 yards and four touchdown passes in the 35-25 win.
More nfl spin zone: Redskins are surging at right time
With a chance to clinch the NFC East against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16, Cousins had another fantastic performance to help his team win the division. In the win, Cousins totaled 365 passing yards and four passing touchdowns.
Cousins is playing at an elite level heading into the playoffs, which is a great thing for the Redskins’ chances to advance in the playoffs. Having a hot quarterback in the playoffs can make the Redskins a very dangerous team to face in the NFC playoffs.