Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Washington Redskins: Offseason moves show true commitment to Kirk Cousins

By Lawrence Jason Dukes

Nov 24, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in action during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys defeat the Redskins 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in action during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys defeat the Redskins 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 2
Next
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins running back Robert Kelley (32) gains yardage against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins running back Robert Kelley (32) gains yardage against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

Redskins offense remains potent heading into 2017

This season, the Redskins organization and their fans will find out how good Cousins really is. Now that vets Garcon and Jackson are no longer in the fold, Cousins will have to lead his young receivers. Terrelle Pryor was brought in from Cleveland to replace the departed Jackson as the deep-threat. Brian Quick is another big-bodied receiver that Washington added in free agency.

More from Commanders News

Both Quick and Pryor posted career numbers in 2016 with sub-par quarterback play. Those numbers should continue to improve under Cousins. Washington also added Samaje Perine in the fourth round of the draft to provide a boost for the ground game alongside Rob Kelley. The re-signing of Vernon Davis is another solid move for Cousins. The two developed a solid rapport last year.

The trio of Josh Doctson, Jamison Crowder, and Jordan Reed, I believe will be the most vital pieces to Cousins success in 2017 and beyond. Crowder is quietly developing into the best slot-receiver in the league while Reed has been a primary target for Cousins the past two seasons. Doctson is a guy that can potentially open up the Redskins offense, if he can stay healthy.

Although the Redskins failed to make the postseason in 2016, they addressed the issues that prevented them from doing so. They needed to get better in the red zone and improve its rushing efficiency. So they get bigger at wide receiver, and added a punishing young running back in the draft.

Next: Washington Redskins safety outlook for 2017

The defense needed to be upgraded at each level, and the Redskins did an excellent job of using both the draft and free agency to do so. Football is a true team-sport, and the Redskins hope that these moves will allow Cousins to be even better in 2017.

Home/Commanders News