Storyline: December was the best month in Kirk Cousins’ career: T-1st, completion %; 2nd, QB Rating; T-5th, TDs; 6th, passing yds–with a 10:1 TD/Intercept Ratio. Written by Joshua Landis, Washington, DC. Follow Joshua on Twitter at @RedskinsWriter
The Washington Redskins have faced multiple “Code Reds” this season. None was bigger than the month of December. To win out the NFC East, Washington had to do things it hadn’t done all year: win back-to-back games and win on the road. The ‘Skins accomplished both objectives. And no other player contributed more significantly in December than did QB Kirk Cousins.
Courtesy: WTOP.com
December proved to be the best of Kirk Cousins’ career. And he also put up one of the best performances among NFL QBs during that stretch. Cousins finished tied for 1st in completion percentage (72.8), 2nd in QB Rating (121.1), tied for 5th in TDs (10), 6th in passing yards (1,203), and his TD-to-Intercept ratio was 10:1. He rushed 13 times for 26 yards and scored two touchdowns. He produced three, 300-yard+ games (vs. the Bears, the Bills, and Eagles). Overall, his 9 touchdowns vs. 1 interception gave the Redskins exactly what they needed … victories.
“It’s been quite the journey,” Cousins said. “It will be quite a journey going forward. You almost expect it in this league the way things work and the way things can change quickly. But I’m very satisfied to see how the tables have turned this year. Now we look forward and say: Where can we go from here? And how high can we take it?”
Cousins led the Redskins to an 8-7 record during his first year as a starter. The team, which clinched the NFC East, will be going to the Playoffs for the first time since 2012. It has been an impressive outing for Cousins, especially since week 7. From that point on he has amassed 2,570 yards on 216 of 300 passing (72%) along with 20 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions. His QB Rating is 115.8.
Courtesy: larrybrownsports.com
Cousins has now broken numerous Redskins records. He has seven games with 300+ plus yards. He’s the first QB in the Super Bowl era to have had back-to-back games with 300+ yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. And he currently has the longest active streak in the NFL–throwing for a touchdown in 15 straight games. With one game remaining in the regular season Cousins has thrown for 3,990 yards and 26 touchdowns. Only two other Redskins’ QBs have reached that feat: Brad Johnson (4,005) and Jay Schroeder (4,109).
“I’ve seen a lot of confidence and growth from him,” said TE Jordan Reed. “I think he’s one of the best quarterbacks in this league and he can be one of the best and get us to the Super Bowl.”
Kirk Cousins caught fire in the cold month of December. He’ll have to continue to stay hot. ashington hasn’t won a Playoff game since 2006. If Cousins can lead Washington on a Playoff run then his stock will sore–and so will his price tag.
