The Washington Redskins had clinched consecutive seasons without a loss for the first time since the 1991 and 1992 seasons before their Week 17 matchup with the New York Giants. A Redskins win over the Giants would also have clinched back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since the aforementioned 1991 and 1992 seasons. These developments prove that Washington has come a long way from the dysfunctional sub-500 teams that have made the perennial franchise an NFL doormat.
Despite achieving these modest goals, the Redskins head into 2017 still in transition mode, quarterback Kirk Cousins playing under the franchise tag prior to the 2016 season. He made a strong case for earning a commitment to long run from Washington by setting a franchise record with 4,917 passing yards. Cousins’ case for a long-term deal was not helped by throwing two costly interceptions during Washington’s 19-10 home loss to the Giants in Week 17. The loss denied the Redskins a spot in the playoffs, disappointing the home Redskins fans. It also raised questions about Cousins’ ability to make crucial plays at critical moments.
Washington will also enter 2017 with new offensive and defensive coordinators. Matt Cavanaugh takes over the offensive coordinator duties from Sean McVay, who left Washington to become head coach of the Los Angeles Rams. McVay orchestrated the Redskins’ third-ranked offense in 2016, so it’s understandable that Cousins and the offense will regress from their 2016 standard next season.
Washington’s defense struggled in 2016, ranking 28th in yards allowed. The Redskins promoted linebackers coach Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator in hopes of improving the unit. Manusky replaced Joe Barry, whose hiring raised some eyebrows considering Barry was the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions’ winning team in 2008. Aside from defensive end Chris Baker, linebacker Ryan Kerrigan and cornerback Josh Norman, the defense lacked any real talent. game creators. Washington could have used its 2016 first-round pick on defensive linemen like Kenny Clark and Robert Nkemdiche. Instead, the Redskins selected wide receiver Josh Doctson, who played sparingly his rookie year due to an Achilles tendon injury.
Washington head coach Jay Gruden could also be on the bench in 2017 if the Redskins finish poorly. Gruden named running back Matt Jones as the starter before the season after the release of popular running back Alfred Morris. Jones rewarded Gruden’s confidence by fumbled three times in seven games and lost two of them. That brought Jones’ career total to eight fumbles, with six of them recovered by opposing teams. That earned Jones a permanent spot on the bench, as he was a healthy scratch for Washington’s last nine games in 2016.
The biggest news of 2017 is, without a doubt, the status of Cousins’ contract. The 2017 NFL calendar year begins March 1, and Redskins fans are no closer to knowing if Cousins will be their long-term quarterback. Washington could put the franchise tag back on Cousins and guarantee him a salary of around $24 million for 2017. That scenario doesn’t inspire much commitment from Washington, who is in a tough position because free-agent quarterbacks they will be a shortage in the off-season. . Washington could sign Cousins to a long-term deal, but team general manager Scot McCloughan has not publicly expressed his confidence in doing so. It’s unclear what else McCloughan needs to see, but this is a situation worth watching.
Starting wide receivers Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson are also looking for big-money deals. One (or both) of them could leave Washington to play elsewhere for more money. Garcon and Jackson have proven reliable targets for Cousins, both posting 1,000-yard receiving seasons this year. Giving up Cousins and both receivers would be ideal, as Washington will have $66 million in salary-cap space next season. McCloughan will have to use that cap space wisely, as he may need some of that money to acquire key defensive players through free agency or the draft.
But I digress. The general culture in Washington has changed and has been reflected in the improved field product. It will be interesting to see how the Redskins handle Cousins’ contract, return to the playoffs and win their first playoff game since the 2005 season.