Storyline: The Redskins had an impressive December winning three consecutive games and securing the NFC East crown. It’s understandable that some players don’t want to sit out the last game against the Cowboys. Written by Joshua Landis, Washington, DC.
The Washington Redskins gained steam in the second half of the season. They’re now poised to make their first playoff appearance in several years. With that, the Redskins have the fortunate opportunity of deciding whether to rest or play starters in the regular season finale against the Dallas Cowboys.
Courtesy: redskins.com
Washington is hot. They’ve won three consecutive games. At issue is not losing momentum.
Everyone from the players to the fans would love nothing more than to cap off the regular season by beating division rival, the Dallas Cowboys. But playing starters has its drawbacks in what amounts to a meaningless game.
“It’s important for us to healthy come playoff time, but it is also to have some kind of momentum also going in,” head coach Jay Gruden said. “I’d like to end on a four-game winning streak, win three games in a row on the road, finish the fourth quarter 4-0, and finish 9-7. I think it’s a hell of a step in the right direction. The guys that are able to play are planning on playing and competing.”
Kirk Cousins has been the driving force behind the Redskins’ success; He’s only 120 yards away from setting a franchise record for passing yards in a season. If some key starters don’t play (e.g., Trent Williams) is it justifiable to dress Cousins?
Courtesy: blog.redskins.com
“Kirk is getting ready to start the football game. Jordan Reed is getting ready. All our healthy guys are starting,” Gruden said. “They’re getting ready to play the game and then how I substitute throughout the course of the game will be dependent on how we’re doing health-wise and the situation of the game.”
For Cousins it’s all about developing and continuing to improve. “I feel good and I want to play and I feel as a young player that I want to continue to develop and get rhythm,” Cousins said. “I’ll always defer to the head coach with whatever he decides. I think it’s a pretty fluid situation.”
The Redskins have shocked the NFL this season. Kirk Cousins has improved dramatically in his first year as the Redskins starting QB. Since Week 7 he has thrown 20 touchdowns to just three interceptions. The team had an impressive December winning three consecutive games and securing the NFC East crown.
It’s understandable some players want to keep that momentum rolling into the postseason. “If you’ve got a hot hand, keep it going,” Ricky Jean Francois said. “Right now we have to keep the hot hand and keep playing. The only way we can finish the season strong is to beat the Dallas Cowboys.”
_____________
Follow Redskins News on Twitter @RedskinsWriter
Good article…makes good points with relevant stats