Game Notes: Kirk Cousins Carries The Washington Redskins Into The Playoffs

The Washington Redskins have officially punched their ticket into the tournament after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 39-24, Saturday night. This is Washington’s third straight win and for the first time this season, they’re showing signs of consistency. With only one game remaining in the regular season, I’d be surprised if Washington’s key starters play a full game against the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday.

Below are our game notes:

• First of all, I don’t think there’s any question that Scot McCloughan should be a shoe-in for Executive of the Year. What the guy has done in just one season is simply remarkable. It reeks of the Seattle Seahawks’ culture turnaround. McCloughan’s key additions to the Washington Redskins are endless. Not to mention, he’s been able to find guys off the street like Will Blackmon and Pierre Thomas, who have both helped this team win down-the-stretch. In Scot McCloughan, not only do the Redskins finally have an adult running things — but a true football mind. I think some of the underrated signings by McCloughan were Terrance Knighton, Ricky Jean-Francois and Dashon Goldson. That’s not to say all three have played outstanding football. They’ve all had their spots. But the leadership and mentality they’ve provided the team has benefited the locker room greatly. The future of this team is in good hands.

• Jay Gruden also deserves credit for this team’s success. He showed a lot of guts by not only naming Kirk Cousins’ the team’s starter prior to the season, but showing true support and patience with him. Things haven’t been perfect for Gruden. But his actions haven’t gone unseen by the team. The players believe in him. He’s getting better both as a coach and with the media.

• Kirk Cousins’ catchphrase “you like that” reminds me a bit of Russell Wilson’s “why not us.” Why? Well, because it united their respective teams and helped propel them to have success both individually and as a team. For Russell, that “why not us” campaign led the Seattle Seahawks to a World Championship. Now, I’m not saying that’s what will happen for Kirk. But it did help lead the Redskins to a Division Championship. Since the “you like that” game, Kirk Cousins has thrown 20 TD’s and 3 INT’s. Before that game Cousins had thrown 6 TD’s and 8 INTs. Confidence can be an incredible tool and it’s been a great asset for Cousins. Now, Cousins did have a big blunder in this game which he did end up overcoming. But the accidental kneel down prior to Halftime could’ve been a Prophetic moment for Cousins. He must have known the game was over at that point. In my opinion, Cousins has had two of his better games ever the past two weeks. Statistically, he’s played well the entire second half of this season. But in reality, the past two weeks have been the true signs of consistency and progress. He’s playing some of the best football of his life right now and it couldn’t come at a better time. 

• Jordan Reed is not human, I’m convinced. He was four weeks ago. But the past three weeks, Reed has transformed into an animal. He is completely having his way with defenses. This is yet another player who is playing some of the best football headed into the playoffs.

• Speaking of players that are ascending at the absolute best time — the Washington Redskins may have found themselves a pass rush specialist in Preston Smith. The rookie had three sacks Saturday night against one of the league’s top Left Tackles — Jason Peters. Smith now has 7 sacks this season and he hasn’t even necessarily been a starter. The sky is the limit for this guy. He has the build of a Chandler Jones, Aldon Smith and Robert Quinn. He’s starting to get real comfortable and confident coming off the edge.

The Washington Redskins are benefiting from a putrid division. But not making the playoffs when your destiny is in your hands would’ve been a major failure for this team. So they should be applauded for their success. They have a meaningless game at Dallas for the regular season finale and then a home game against the (most likely) Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card round. It would be good for the Redskins to continue their streak with a win vs Dallas. But I do think this team has enough talent to compete in the playoffs. They shouldn’t be overlooked, especially with the weapons they have. Not to mention, Kirk Cousins has proven to be pretty unstoppable at home.