The Redskins have until July 15th to strike a long-term deal with Kirk Cousins. Although they have yet to agree to terms, Redskins fans should should feel good about Cousins remaining in Washington for years to come.
The Washington Redskins have had an interesting start to 2017. After a disappointing Week 17 loss to the rival New York Giants, the Redskins entered the off-season with plenty of uncertainty. They fired Joe Barry four days after the season ended. Key players on offense as such as Kirk Cousins, Pierre Garcon, and DeSean Jackson were all free agents.
Washington fired Scot McCloughan right before the start of free agency. A move in which team President Bruce Allen felt gave the team “clarity,” per Nora Princiotti of the Washington Times. After letting Jackson and Garcon walk, the Redskins franchised Cousins. Despite the move, rumors persisted that Cousins would be traded. The San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns reportedly had the most interest in the talented passer.
More from Riggo's Rag
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
- Bet365 VA Bonus Code – Claim $200 Guaranteed With Sign-Up Bonus
Washington made an effort to help Cousins by improving its 28th ranked defense. Run-stuffers Stacy McGee and Terrell McClain were added to improve a run defense that finished 26th in yards per carry and 24th in rush defense. Additions as such as Jonathan Allen and Zach Brown will also factor heavily into an improved Redskins defense.
The pass defense was just as bad in 2016, ranking 26th against the pass. Safety play has plagued Washington since the death of Sean Taylor. However, the Skins are banking on the tandem of D.J. Swearinger and Su’a Cravens.
An improved rushing defense could allow Cousins to have more possessions in 2017. The run defense ultimately cost the Redskins a playoff spot. In pivotal games down the stretch, the Redskins allowed the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants to get their first 100-yard rushers of the season in Weeks 15 and 17. That really sank their ship as they tried to sneak into the No. 6 seed.
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
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
- Bet365 VA Bonus Code – Claim $200 Guaranteed With Sign-Up Bonus
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.