Storyline: The Washington Redskins have a big decision to make. Kirk Cousins, a free agent, is the quarterback going forward–the future of the team and face of the franchise. How much is Washington willing to invest? We’ll see.
NFC East beat reporters for ESPN.com put together their list of award winners from the NFC East. They include:
Rookie of the Year: Preston Smith, Washington Redskins
Coach of the Year: Jay Gruden, Washington Redskins
Defensive Player of the Year: Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia Eagles
Offensive Player of the Year: Odell Beckham, Jr.
The division’s Most Valuable Player of the Year Award went unanimously to Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins put together an impressive stat sheet in 2015. Through the first six games Cousins struggled, throwing 6 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.
Then, Week 7 became the measuring stick for Cousins’ success. From that point on, Cousins would go on to lead Washington to win 7 out of 10 games. And he led the Redskins to the Division Title and the playoff appearance that came with it.
Courtesy: endzonescore.com
Kirk Cousins finished the regular season with 4,166 passing yards, a franchise record. He threw 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions–with only three interceptions in the final 10 games. His 69.8% completion percentage was the NFL’s best.
Dan Graziano, who covers the New York Giants, said that Kirk Cousins was the Redskins strength: “Cousins precision and patience as a passer and a leader made the difference for Washington and elevated his team above a weak division field.” Graziano said. “The biggest questions facing him entering the season were whether he could be a more responsible downfield decision-maker and whether he could maintain week-to-week consistency in his performance. He answered both and likely earned a big contract as a result.”
Cousins will be a free agent in March. The Redskins will have the option to franchise-tag him, but both sides hope to reach a long -term deal.
“I want to be where I’m wanted, and you want to be with people who believe in you and we are going to find out—how much I’m wanted and where that’ll go,.” Cousins said. “It’s a business and this team is going to operate with that mindset. This is my first time going through that process in the NFL, so it’s new to me. I don’t know a whole lot about it.”
Courtesy: Redskinscapitalconnection.com
A year ago Kirk Cousins expressed that he wanted to go somewhere he could compete for a starting job. He found that opportunity in Washington, excelling by putting together one of the best seasons in franchise history.
The Washington Redskins have a big decision to make in the next few months. Kirk Cousins is obviously the quarterback going forward; he’s the future of the team and face of the franchise.
How much is Washington willing to invest in that?
We’ll see.
_________________________________________________
Follow All Redskins News on Twitter @RedskinsWriter
