Storyline: Last year the ‘Skins faced Code Red in Game 6. This year it’s going to come earlier … perhaps it’s already here.
Courtesy: Washington Post
The issue is clear for the Washington Redskins. Kirk Cousins has yet to showcase the abilities we saw during the second half of 2015. We didn’t see it in last Monday’s game against the Steelers and we didn’t see it, again, on Sunday against the Cowboys. Cousins seems to have lost his groove.
Cousins puts tremendous pressure on himself. He has done that from day one in DC. He wants to make plays and wants to win. He’s so adamant on success that his attitude can affect his play.
And the stakes are high. The Redskins offered Cousins a long-term contract, which he turned down. The result left Cousins with a franchise tag and the need to play-to-perform this year. So Cousins isn’t just dealing with the constant struggle of winning games, he’s fighting for his livelihood, too.
And, unfortunately, for Cousins, the Redskins, and fans, that struggle isn’t going well. Cousins failed to make smart decisions on Sunday. He overthrew wide receivers with passes that were thrown erratically and placed poorly.
Cousins finished the day 28-46 for 364 yards with one TD and one (horrible) interception. Cousins has amassed 693 yards this season, going 58 of 89 (65.1%) with one TD and 3 interceptions (QBR 78.5). That performance is reminiscent of last year’s start. In the first two games in 2015 Cousins went 41-68 (64.7%) for 399 with two TDs and two interceptions (QBR 78).
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
While Cousins performed poorly, Sunday’s loss doesn’t rest solely on his shoulders. The defense gave up 292 passing yards to a rookie QB and allowed 83 yards from a rookie RB. The Redskins also had 8 penalties for 51 yards and struggled in the Red Zone (2-6), settling for field goals.
Cousins will be facing a scrutiny this week. “I need to play better, I can play better. I will play better going forward.” Cousins said. For his sake–and the sake of the Redskins–I hope he does.
Last year the ‘Skins faced Code Red in Game 6. This year it’s going to come earlier … and perhaps it’s already here.
