Kirk Cousins - Game Manager

[SKINS#1]

I think the team needs to improve to the point when/if the QB throws an int. it is not game over. Then I think we will see a more aggressive passing game, even some jump balls that give the receiver a chance to make a play.

[SkinsJock]

I hear you Chris but I think some of Gruden's conservative play calling recently has been frustrating for Cousins and the offense

no worries though - the big picture here is very encouraging

[riggofan]

Yes. I think that if they make it into the playoffs, you'll see the reigns slackened a bit.

Yeah, house money at that point!

I would think/hope that a decision to bring back Cousins next year would change the approach. Be more willing to be aggressive and open things up.

SKINS#1 makes a good point about the defense too. As well as they've played this season, the conservative approach on offense has kept them out of a lot of bad/short field situations compared to recent years.

[OldSchool]

I think that Kirk Cousins has improved a lot this season - Scot & Bruce will make sure he's back here next season

the coaching staff has helped Kirk a lot & they need to start having more faith in his ability

Kirk Cousins was a backup QB who had a problem of turning the ball over & playing tentatively, possibly because he was nervous about turning the ball over - over the course of the season & without the fear of being replaced like he was last year, Kirk Cousins has clearly shown that he has improved as a QB and a leader of the offense - Kirk Cousins is continuing to improve and can do even better

Jay Gruden and the game planning needs to reward him with some better play calling

You seem to be exhibiting some welcome growth yourself SJ.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Don't look now but the "game manager" is not only leading the league in completion percentage, he's top 5 in the league (for a consecutive season) in passing yards that have traveled through the air... For those of us a bit slower than normal, that stat doesn't consider YAC.

So... Yeah. LOL Facts. lol

[StorminMormon86]

Don't look now but the "game manager" is not only leading the league in completion percentage, he's top 5 in the league (for a consecutive season) in passing yards that have traveled through the air... For those of us a bit slower than normal, that stat doesn't consider YAC.

So... Yeah. LOL Facts. lol

And for those who need even further help, since week 7 he's been in the top 5 in the league for YPA.

So much for the "noodle arm".

[Chris Luva Luva]

Don't look now but the "game manager" is not only leading the league in completion percentage, he's top 5 in the league (for a consecutive season) in passing yards that have traveled through the air... For those of us a bit slower than normal, that stat doesn't consider YAC.

So... Yeah. LOL Facts. lol

And for those who need even further help, since week 7 he's been in the top 5 in the league for YPA.

So much for the "noodle arm".

It would have occurred sooner if both Jackson and Reed weren't injured...

[DEHog]

Yesterday I think we saw a coach, coaching a QB who is slowly maturing into what may become franchise QB. Towards the end of the first half with Buffalo driving you saw Gruden use his TO’s to save time, to give Cousins and the offense another chance to score before half! You don't do that with game managers...While a lot of people were complaining I loved it, I thought it was evidence that Gruden is now beginning to trust Cousins and this offense.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

Don't look now but the "game manager" is not only leading the league in completion percentage, he's top 5 in the league (for a consecutive season) in passing yards that have traveled through the air... For those of us a bit slower than normal, that stat doesn't consider YAC.

So... Yeah. LOL Facts. lol

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

The game manager is about to get paid. Word is the Redskins are going to franchise tag Cousins and try to work out a long term deal before the July deadline. Sources close to knowledge of the situation say there is a zero percent chance the Skins allow Cousins to hit the open market. This was per a CBS article before yesterday's game.

The real question is: If winning next week cements Cousins' value then what does losing next week do?

[riggofan]

The real question is: If winning next week cements Cousins' value then what does losing next week do?

We could lose the game off a Jamison Crowder punt return fumble. Can't allow ourselves to judge these guys off of a single week whether we win or lose. I love how Gruden's approach has been that way all year long.

Personally I think the Eagles game could go either way. That team has shown the ability to win big games and they've shown the ability to fail miserably. I'm sure at home they'll be the favorites, but I still like our chances. Hoping for one of those DJax games where catches 17 balls and gives a big middle finger to Chip Kelly.

[riggofan]

I heard that radio guys talking about how the team is looking for Cousins to be a distributor - not a game manager. Thought that was a good description. Like some guys here have pointed out, he does have real weapons in DJax, Reed, and Garcon + a few up and coming young guys like Crowder.

Cousins isn't going to be a play maker like Cam Newton every game at this point, but we can win with a QB who can distribute the ball effectively to those play making WRs.

One thing I'm curious about. The defensive strategy against Cousins early on was always: we're going to stack the box to take away the run and force Cousins to beat us with his arm. Are teams still doing that? Is that what has affected the run game? And if so, how can that continue when Cousins is frequently throwing for 300 yards?

[Irn-Bru]

Personally I think the Eagles game could go either way. That team has shown the ability to win big games and they've shown the ability to fail miserably. I'm sure at home they'll be the favorites, but I still like our chances. Hoping for one of those DJax games where catches 17 balls and gives a big middle finger to Chip Kelly.

Can you imagine if DeSean Jackson were to so badly embarrass the Eagles that people looked at it as the final straw toward Chip getting fired?

One of those things that's too perfect to actually come to pass . . .

[riggofan]

Can you imagine if DeSean Jackson were to so badly embarrass the Eagles that people looked at it as the final straw toward Chip getting fired?

One of those things that's too perfect to actually come to pass . . .

please please please please please please please please

[Countertrey]

Personally I think the Eagles game could go either way. That team has shown the ability to win big games and they've shown the ability to fail miserably. I'm sure at home they'll be the favorites, but I still like our chances. Hoping for one of those DJax games where catches 17 balls and gives a big middle finger to Chip Kelly.

Can you imagine if DeSean Jackson were to so badly embarrass the Eagles that people looked at it as the final straw toward Chip getting fired?

One of those things that's too perfect to actually come to pass . . .

As was shown last night, Eagles d is very vulnerable to skilled receivers and an accurate QB... if the QB has a little time. Cousin's release is not up there with Palmer... but his receivers are capable... OTOH, the Eagles will be doing all they can to frustrate DJax, and get his head out of the game... He is not likely to get the Affluenza treatment that Beckham got from Mara's refs yesterday.

[SkinsJock]

The real question is: If winning next week cements Cousins' value then what does losing next week do?

you're kidding, right? - Cousins value has been established - he's going to be here next season even if he has 2 terrible weeks as QB
Kirk Cousins has improved from being a good back-up QB into a potential franchise QB
Kirk Cousins will be back here for sure as Scot decides what's best for his future growth

I'm excited about the next 2 weeks but I'm also very encouraged to know that at least we have a QB to build around

[Chris Luva Luva]

Can you imagine if DeSean Jackson were to so badly embarrass the Eagles that people looked at it as the final straw toward Chip getting fired?

One of those things that's too perfect to actually come to pass . . .

We don't have to think too hard cus DJax was the main reason the Eagles didn't make the playoffs last year. Additionally, I don't want Chip to get fired. I want GM Chip and Coach Chip to hang around for a long time.

[riggofan]

The real question is: If winning next week cements Cousins' value then what does losing next week do?

you're kidding, right? - Cousins value has been established - he's going to be here next season even if he has 2 terrible weeks as QB

Yeah I agree with, SJ. Its no coincidence this story came out in the Post a few hours ago:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/foo ... &tid=ss_tw
Redskins are sold on Kirk Cousins, but remain undecided on his value

The team’s decision-makers find themselves in agreement over Cousins: He’s their starter long term, and not merely a bridge quarterback.

Because of that conviction, the Redskins will either sign the former fourth-round pick – who is in the midst of a team-record-setting season – to a multi-year deal, or they will use the franchise tag to retain his services, and then continue to negotiate toward a contract that satisfies both sides.

Letting other interested teams know that we're going to tag Kirk.

[FanofallthatisGibbs]

In a lot of his early starts, Kirk would throw a not-so-perfect pass that got tipped (thus turning into an INT like in the game @Patriots this year) or he would underthrow receivers a bit too much. He is still underthrowing a bit, but to me the difference is the chemistry that has started to form with his receiving corps. Yesterday, the WRs (including TE Jordan Reed) were the stars of the show. This is not insignificant - these same TD passes have been incomplete or even INTs in previous games this season and in prior years. Guys like Roethlisberger (sp?) and Favre always seemed to get away with horrible passes that somehow ended up in the right person's hands. The difference? Chemistry. Slowly I am seeing this transition occur for KC. I think it is less "noodle arm" and more timing/knowing his receivers speed and route precision. I hope this group can stay healthy and stay intact for a a year or two while upgrades continue to the team on the whole.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

The real question is: If winning next week cements Cousins' value then what does losing next week do?

you're kidding, right?

Actually, yes, but I knew a few people couldn't help but respond.