Storyline: Kirk Cousins passed for 458 yards and two TDs, but the Redskins still have trouble finishing in The Red Zone.
Courtesy: Redskinscapitalconnection.com
It was a Hard Day’s Night (or morning) for the Washington Redskins Sunday as they ended their London adventure with a tie against the Cincinnati Bengals. Although no team prevailed in victory Kirk Cousins made headlines with a record-breaking performance.
Kirk Cousins put on a passing clinic at Wembley Stadium. He finished the day 38 of 56 for 458 yards with two touchdowns and 1 (arm punt) interception. His 38 completions broke the team record of 33.
Cousins’ 458-yard performance has him second in most yards in a game behind Brad Johnson’s 471 yards in 1999. Sunday was Cousins’ 16th 300-yard passing game and that has him tied with Sonny Jergusen for the most in team history.
“I think Kirk did a great job today, Head Coach Jay Gruden said. “I think it was one of the better games he’s played since I’ve been here, so hats off to him and the offense. They did some great things, but you’re right, we do need to get some bigger plays.” The big plays Gruden refers to are plays in the Red Zone where the Redskins have been nothing short of mediocre.
Courtesy: Zimbio,com
Behind Kirk Cousins, the Redskins have the third best offense in the league averaging 410.2 yards per game, along with the third best passing offense averaging, 298.8 yards per game. They move the ball as well as anybody, but the don’t often finish in Red Zone.
In terms of Red Zone production (TDs only) the Redskins are 31st in the NFL, averaging a touchdown just 40.62% of the time. You can either chalk that up to play calling or just sheer inability in clutch situations, but one thing is for sure: playoff teams score in the Red Zone. If Kirk Cousins and the offense can overcome their Red Zone woes, then they’ll have the potential to be a dangerous team.
Cousins is on pace for 4,908 yard season. That would be the 13th most prolific quarterback season in history. Cousins currently has 2,454 yards this season along with 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions and 93.1 passer rating.
“It’s a unique experience, but now we move forward,” Cousins said of the tie. “I think that’s the key is that you always look towards what’s next–what’s the next challenge? We don’t live in the past in this league, so what I’m proud of is the fact that so many guys laid it on the line and gave us everything they had, I was proud of the effort and the mental and physical toughness that guys showed through the course of the game.”
Cousins has the led the Redskins to a 4-3-1 record at the mid-way point of the 2016 season. That’s the best mid-season record since 2008.
