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Kirk Cousins named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for performance vs. Raiders

By Jacob Camenker

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins on the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins on the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Kirk Cousins had a terrific game in Week 4 against the Oakland Raiders. The Washington Redskins quarterback was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week as a result.

Heading into Week 3 of the 2017 NFL season, Kirk Cousins had faced a lot of criticism. He had not looked good through two weeks of regular season action and was obviously struggling to find a rhythm. His lackluster effort had led the Redskins to a 1-1 record, but many thought that they were in danger of falling off fast if the offense didn’t step up.

Cousins was able to find the spark he needed against the Raiders poor defensive unit. For the entire game, Cousins looked sharp and showed that he does have the ability to play like a franchise quarterback. He went 25-of-30 for 365 yards and three touchdowns en route to shredding the Raiders defense. He was the catalyst behind their offensive improvement.

Many have taken notice of the Redskins performance in Week 3, and Cousins was rewarded for his efforts. He received the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award according to the Redskins official Twitter.

https://twitter.com/Redskins/status/913033497450881025

This marks the fourth time that Cousins has received this honor during his NFL career. However, this time receiving the award is symbolic of a new start for him in the 2017 season

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As mentioned earlier, Cousins did not look good through two games to start the season. Instead of looking like a franchise quarterback, he looked like a mediocre game manager who didn’t have enough offensive weaponry to get by. He was particularly uninspiring against the Rams, when he threw for less than 200 yards in the team’s victory.

Now, Cousins is looking a lot better and that should help with his confidence. Cousins has endured slow starts in the past, but usually a big game like the one he had in Week 3 is what is able to break him out. Receiving the player of the week award will only help to improve his confidence and reassure him that he can be a top caliber quarterback in the NFL.

One of the most telling plays of the contest was the deep touchdown that he threw to Josh Doctson. Cousins lofted a perfect pass downfield and he was not afraid to target Doctson, despite the second year man’s complete lack of production in the first two weeks of the season. The throw was right on the money and was perfectly placed for Doctson to go up an get it. That throw proved that Cousins was back.

It also helps Cousins’ cause that he was able to spread the ball around against the Raiders. That is key for him to have success, as he thrives when he doesn’t have to target one player specifically. If he continues to spread the ball around like he did on Sunday night, then the team will be in good shape.

Next: Previewing Redskins vs. Chiefs in NFL Week 4

This was a well deserved honor for Cousins. Hopefully winning the award will help him to feel more confident and get this to carry over into the coming weeks.

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