Redskins' quarterback Kirk Cousins has dominated offseason headlines — so it's refreshing to actually see him in action as Washington is full-swing in Richmond preparing for the 2017-18 season. With all of the talk about Cousins' future, it almost felt like everyone forgot there was a season about to happen and it's clear the Skins' signal caller has a newfound level of confidence.
He's relaxed and poised — as anyone would be that's cashing in on nearly $24 million in guaranteed money after netting nearly $20 million last season. I've attended two practices fo far — and it's clear every coach and player in that locker room respects Cousins and he's the undisputed leader of that team.
Team owner Dan Snyder and the front office? Well clearly that's a much different story — at least for now. I remain in the minority that believes Cousins will light it up again in 2017-18 and force the Skins' decision makers to open the checkbook and sign him to an overpriced long-term deal, but only time will tell.
In the meantime — Cousins looks like he's having an absolute blast preparing for the new campaign. The Redskins' video team put together a cool little piece where the QB was mic'd up. The result was hilarious.
– Creed was good "in like 7th grade."
– Formula for high-quality H2O
– Dickinson was a great poet.Kirk Wired Up: https://t.co/azSNMjuSvX pic.twitter.com/oiDuF6FeJV
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 2, 2017
I'm here to tell you Cousins was not always like this. There was a time not too long ago where Cousins felt like he should have been the starter but wasn't, and there were a lot of obvious nerves about his future. I'm sure all of the positive attention surrounding him and his bank account helps — but it's clear the Washington QB is about as relaxed as it gets right now.
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He has all of the leverage and fully understands it. We all know I'm a Redskins' fan and while the constant drama drives me up the wall — I could really see this dude putting together a monumental season that's even better than his last two.
Oh, he even rapped the lyrics from Hamilton.
Who knew @KirkCousins8 had bars? ???? pic.twitter.com/Kz5YOnff0U
— CSN Redskins (@CSNRedskins) August 2, 2017
I'm telling you guys to watch this situation closely — and with all of the nonsense surrounding Cousins' contract — I'm sure you will. Most Las Vegas odds makers and national talking heads peg the Redskins as a 5-11 type team which makes absolutely no sense to me. Go talk to the local beat writers that cover Washington on a regular basis. No — this is not a squad poised to make a deep run into the playoffs — but it's one that could easily contend for the division and maybe pull off at least one January victory.
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They almost snuck into the playoffs last year after all — and they got better in the offseason.
Cousins will be without Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson — but Terrelle Pryor looks capable of becoming one of the premier wideouts in the NFL. The Skins' passer still has Jordan Reed, Jamison Crowder and Josh Doctson (Washington's first-round pick last year who was sidelined the entire season because of an injury).
Even more important than the offensive weapons are the major upgrades on defense. D.J. Swearinger is coming off one of his best seasons in the NFL and looks revamped and revived. Washington added two day-one starters in the NFL Draft in Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson — both from the powerhouse that is Alabama. Josh Norman is now playing in his second year in D.C. and there is a slew of pass rushers from Ryan Kerrigan to Junior Galette (who has been out the last two years after back-to-back ACL injuries).
I'm sure it's easy for you guys to think I'm just acting like a fan boy and maybe some of that is true — but everything I've seen in camp has given me a ton of optimism that I didn't previously have. It begins with Cousins — and it's clear he seems ready for the challenge.
