Washington Redskins Summary
Quarterback Kirk Cousins had himself a very interesting offseason with the signing of his franchise tender. While he may not have looked as a $19 million dollar quarterback, Cousins has strung together a sneaky good season so far with 2,716 yards (4th in the NFL) and 14 touchdowns with seven interceptions. One thing is for sure, Cousins has had plenty of help around him with six players totaling at least 26 catches on the season. Receiver Jamison Crowder and tight end Jordan Reed are tied for the team lead in receptions with 44 and Crowder leads the team with five touchdown receptions. The running game provides the balance that the offense has desired and while the combination of Matt Jones (460 yards, three TDs), Robert Kelley (287 yards, TD), and Chris Thompson (232 yards, TD) isn’t spectacular by any means but it is effective.
The defense has been the definition of “bend but don’t break”. One thing they do exceptionally well is getting after the quarterback. The defense is tied for sixth in the league in sacks with 25 and have a pair of outside linebackers in Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy who are tied for the team lead in sacks with seven apiece.
The headlines for the Redskins this offseason was dominated by the free agency signing of cornerback Josh Norman. The expensive corner has had some solid outings this season but his game in London against Cincinnati receiver AJ Green was one to forget (three pass interference penalties, nine catches for 121 yards for Green). His ability will be important against the likes of Nelson and Adams for Green Bay.