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| via @Redskins |
For the second time in four years, 2012 being the last, the Washington Redskins will host a playoff game at FedEx Field. Unlike last time, which ended in heartbreak, the Redskins are determined to win in front of their passionate home crowd.
One year ago nobody thought this would be possible as they finished in last place in the NFC East with a 4-12 record. If that wasn't bad enough, the team won only seven games combined between the last two seasons. The Redskins entered the season with question marks, starting with the man under center. Quarterback Robert Griffin III or RGIII won the city over in 2012 with an incredible rookie season. Since the playoff game against the Seahawks, which he injured his ankle, he was never the same. Because of that, head coach Jay Gruden elected to bench Griffin and start Kirk Cousins. A lot of media and fans questioned the move while others supported it but it took a great amount of patience.
While it was a roller coaster to start the season, the Redskins did win some impressive games. In particular, the comeback win over the Eagles in Week 4 was exciting but that didn't compare to what unfolded a few weeks later. The Redskins were at home facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and I apologize to my fellow readers for these next few sentences and paragraphs. While I did write these from a journalist perspective, I also am a big fan. What I am basically trying to say is, that Tampa Bay game was the one that completely sold me on having Kirk Cousins as the starter.
Leading into that game, Cousins threw 24 career touchdowns to go along with 27 interceptions. The Redskins were down 24-0 at the half. In the second half, Cousins and the Redskins came all the way back to win 31-30. On his way to the locker room, Cousins turned to reporters and shouted out "You like that?!" It got a lot of people mocking him and a lot of my friends that hate the Redskins told me that he was too cocky for doing that and that the team wasn't going anywhere. I disagreed. I thought this was going to somehow turn into a rallying cry, and it did.
Since that game, Cousins has thrown 23 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Cousins also leads the league in completion percentage and passer rating in the second half of the season.
This Sunday the Redskins face a struggling Green Bay Packers team. After starting their season 6-0, they have lost six of their last 10 games including two in a row. Last week at home, they fell to the Vikings 20-13 which set up the road contest with the Redskins.
WIth the way Kirk Cousins has played lately as well as the hot streak Washington has winning four in a row, I think they can continue their momentum in the playoffs. The playoffs are a whole different animal but I think this Redskins team is one of the most motivated teams we have ever seen. While teams of the past have had talent, I have never seen a team with this much chemistry and I have been following the Redskins for 13 years. My prediction is that the Redskins will win 31-24.
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| via @Redskins |
