Redskins NFC East Prediction in 2016
Washington Redskins 2015: Overall (9-7) Division (4-2)
The Washington Redskins were the division winner (9th overall) under head coach Jay Gruden in his second year before losing 35-18 to the Green Bay Packers in NFC wild card game last season.
There hasn't been a team in the NFC East to win the division in consecutive years since the Philadelphia Eagles in 2004.
With Kirk Cousins as no longer being the de facto starting quarterback to Robert Griffin III, in his first year as a starter he led the Redskins (9-7) to division champions for the first time since 2012.
However, the Redskins were not even able to win a single game against a team with a winning record.
No, Kirk Cousins " I don't like that!"
Offense: Cousins is coming off his best season with 29 touchdown passes, 11 interceptions and a 101.6 rating, leading an offense that ranked 17th in the NFL.
He will certainly "like that" the arsenal of weapons he has from his favorite target, pro bowl tight end Jordan Reed to Desean Jackson's explosive feet, Pierre Garcon, Jamison Crowder who was a reliable slot receiver and 2016 1st round pick Josh Doctson.
After losing running back Alfred Morris to Dallas via free agency, Matt Jones who is entering his second season will be the workhorse on the ground.
I do question Jones' consistency to gain positive yards, giving his 3.4 yards per carry average last season in his rookie campaign.
It wouldn't surprise me if he splits snaps with change of pace half-back Chris Thompson who is a threat in a the passing game.
Defense: Washington's defensive who finished 29th in the NFL will certainly be better with signing All-Pro defensive back Josh Norman to a 5-year 75-million dollar (35 million guaranteed) contract, making him the highest paid defensive back in NFL history.
Norman will provide leadership as a mouthpiece, giving the team an edge to get underneath the skin of opposing receivers.
In a nutshell, I don't look at Cousins as being a franchise quarterback, despite the fact he had his best year in 2015.
Cousins success was more a result of playing in one of the weakest divisions in football last year.
The majority of Cousins' " You Like that" games were because the Redskins were losing by double digits. Mostly the result of his inconsistency in the first half of games.
In fact, Washington's General Manager Scot McCloughan doesn't even seem that confident in giving Cousins a long term deal yet.
Instead Cousins received a franchise tag with a 2016 salary worth 19.953 million dollars.
PREDICTION: I have the Redskins finishing last in the NFC East this year with a record of (6-10)