Kirk Cousins Rallies Redskins From Down 24-0 to Beat Tampa, 31-30
By Jason McIntyre
Kirk Cousins silenced a lot of doubters today in Washington with a near-flawless performance that will erase any doubts about a QB controversy on the Redskins. After trailing Tampa Bay 24-0 in the first half, Cousins orchestrated a furious rally, going 33-for-40 for 317 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner in the final minute, and Washington won, 31-30.
It was the largest comeback in franchise history. For a franchise that has produced Sonny Jurgensen, Sammy Baugh, two Super Bowl MVPs (Doug Williams and Mark Rypien) and Joe Thiesmann, that’s a nice little accolade for Cousins.
Cousins did get hit and fumble in the first half, resulting in a Tampa touchdown, but he was lights out passing in the 2nd half (3 TD passes) against a pretty decent pass defense that previously confounded Drew Brees (and also got lit up by Marcus Mariota).
The Cousins issue is silly. He’s a 4th round pick. He’s who Jay Gruden thinks is the best QB on the roster suited to run his offense. Cousins has now started 16 games on a team in which he’s had two different head coaches and two different offensive coordinators. The offensive line is not good (ask RGIII) and thus expectations are low. It’s silly how he’s become such a lightning rod for criticism.
Can we wait to pass judgement on Cousins When the Redskins get healthy – #1 WR DeSean Jackson hasn’t played a game this season – and when he’s played a few more than 16 games?