How the Redskins got here: The Kirk Cousins revenge game

Kirk Cousins‘ first game against the Washington Redskins comes a year and a half after the end of a years-long saga with the team. How did the Redskins get here? It’s worth remembering.

For a time, it seemed like the Redskins had found their franchise quarterback. And it wasn’t Robert Griffin III. It was the gem that they appeared to have landed in the fourth round of that same draft class.

Kirk Cousins came virtually out of nowhere to become a solid starter for the Redskins in his fourth year in the league. He was a late bloomer relative to some of his peers, but he managed to earn the starting role under Jay Gruden, move forward as the top option with the team, and turn himself into a good NFL starter.

Cousins had his flaws. And his streaky play may have cost the Redskins a postseason berth at one point. But the Redskins didn’t exactly handle his contract situation well, and it led to mistrust between the two sides. And after six years with the organization, Cousins left and ended up becoming one of the biggest free agent quarterbacks since Peyton Manning to sign a deal with a team.

Now, on Thursday night, Cousins will have his first chance to face the Washington Redskins. And it certainly will be a revenge game. But before we reach that moment, it’s worth taking an in-depth look at exactly how the Redskins got here as they prepare to face their former franchise quarterback on Thursday Night Football with a record of 1-6.