NFL Bold Predictions: Kirk Cousins Supplants RGIII
By Erik Lambert
Sep 14, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) runs off the filed after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Week 2 brought another host of surprises around the NFL. Here are some updated bold predictions to go along with them.
Cousins will force Washington Redskins to bench Robert Griffin III
Everybody loves a quarterback controversy and none has been more enduring than between Robert Griffin III and backup Kirk Cousins. Both joined the Washington Redskins in 2012, one a high priced 1st round pick and the other a 4th round flier. However, injuries are the great equalizer in pro football. RGIII has endured some tough ailments over the past couple seasons and it continued with a dislocated ankle in week 2. As usual Cousins stepped in and played well. Most expect Griffen will resume his duties upon return following news that surgery won’t be required on his ankle. That will not be the case. Cousin, finally, will overtake his teammate and become the long-term starter for new head coach Jay Gruden.
Mike McCoy wins Coach of the Year
There is a laundry list of names that will be in consideration for Coach of the Year. Among the most popular are Pete Carroll, Jim Harbaugh, Bill Belichick, Bill O’Brien, Bruce Arians and Chip Kelly. Mark it down now. None of them will win it in 2014. That spot is reserved for Mike McCoy. The San Diego Chargers head coach did a marvelous job last season getting the team to the playoffs and further validated his capability by leading them in a huge upset of the defending champion Seahawks. This team has the look of a contender, and their coach deserves the credit.
Cincinnati Bengals finally win a playoff game
It’s the biggest stigma hanging over any long-tenured coach in the NFL. Marvin Lewis has coached the Cincinnati Bengals since 2003 and made the playoffs five times in that span. All five time his team failed to win a single postseason game. Things should be different this season. Lewis easily has the most talented roster of his head coaching career and the Bengals have quietly gotten off to a 2-0 start. They are young. They are deep and they continue to gain experience. Not only will they repeat as AFC North champs, they will finally get the monkey off Lewis’ back by bringing home a win in January for the first time since 1990.
E.J. Manuel and Buffalo Bills steal the AFC East from Patriots
Yes, it’s still early but this doesn’t look like your typical, run-of-the-mill Buffalo Bills. After hanging on for their first win ever in Chicago, E.J. Manuel and a plucky defense led a convincing beat down division rival Miami. It’s a team that has talent on both side of the ball and right now are playing with urgency. The AFC East division has looked more wide open than it has in years. Any team can beat any other team. Buffalo is in prime position to make a surprise run and finally ending their long playoff drought.