Redskins Challenge: Kirk Cousins, it’s time to “Put up your Dukes”

Kirk Cousins is playing excellent football for Washington, but the Redskins are 4-6, and their playoff hopes are fading fast. If the Redskins are to somehow sneak into the postseason, they’ll need Cousins to carry the team.

Kirk Cousins has notoriously struggled against the Giants throughout his career. Cousins is not only 2-4 against the Giants, but also owns a 6:10 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 69.6 passer rating. Last year in the season finale against the Giants, Cousins threw two interceptions, with the second essentially ending the Redskins’ season.

Had Cousins led Washington to victory in the 2016 season finale, there’s little doubt he would have received a long-term contract from Bruce Allen and the Redskins. Cousins has been vocal about his play as of late, via Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post, and it’s hard dispute the fact that Cousins is indeed playing the best football of his career. Within the past week, the Redskins lost four starters to injured reserve, with the biggest loss being running back Chris Thompson. Washington has now lost 15 players to IR on the season.

The New York Giants are 2-8, and playing for pride and jobs at this point. Kirk Cousins needs to elevate his game for the Redskins to have a legitimate chance to make the postseason. Injuries are undoubtedly beginning to catch up with the Redskins, but they remain healthy at the most important position on the field. Cousins needs to develop the ‘baller’ trait. The Redskins need the “You Like That” and “How do you like me now?” Kirk Cousins under center for the final six games.

Washington has played the toughest schedule in the NFL, without a doubt. Washington’s six losses have come against the Eagles twice, the Vikings and Saints in the past two weeks, the Chiefs at Arrowhead when they were in the midst of an undefeated start, and the Cowboys, who were at full strength with Tyron Smith, Sean Lee, and Ezekiel Elliot.

Now that the Redskins are entering the supposed soft part of their schedule, Kirk Cousins needs to carry this football team. The Giants are 2-8 and the Redskins play them twice in the final six games. The rival Cowboys will be without Elliott and could be without Lee as well. The Chargers, Cardinals, and Broncos, all have losing records.

Next: 5 bold predictions for the Redskins vs. Giants matchup

If the Redskins still have postseason aspirations, it’s imperative they find a way to win these games. Playoff teams don’t lose to teams with sub-500 records. So Kirk Cousins, once again, I challenge you to “Put up your Dukes”. Put this Redskins team on your back, silence the critics, and lead your team to its first division win of the season.