Is it any surprise that when ESPN's NFC East writers gathered to vote on division MVP, Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins won in unanimous fashion?
The Redskins led the pack at 9-7, making the playoffs for the first time since 2012. Though things got off to a rocky start - Cousins had four multi-pick games in first six outings - Washington righted the ship and played quality football down the stretch. Cousins, an unlikely hero entering the 2015 season, was the driving for behind Washington's mid-season push to the playoffs.
"This really should be an award for the entire Redskins' passing game, starting with tight end Jordan Reed and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon," ESPN Redskins reporter John Keim wrote. "Reed and Jackson in particular draw heavy attention, and the Redskins could play off that to hurt teams with others. But one player had to direct this group and without Cousins developing the way he did, it wouldn't have mattered. They had the same talent last season, don't forget, and it led them nowhere."
Overall, the Redskins offense finished the 2015 season ranked 17th in total yards per game (353.8), 10th in points (24.3) and 11th in passing yards (255.9). Cousins led the NFL in completion percentage at 69.8 and also set a Redskins passing record with 4,166 yards.
"Cousins, in his first full season as the starter, finished the regular season with 29 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions," Keim continued. "He made better decisions with the ball, cutting down on the picks (he threw just three in his last 10 regular-season games). The next step without a doubt for Cousins and the Redskins is to beat winning teams and then a playoff game. But to deny him credit for how he played this season would be silly. The Redskins' offense evolved because of his growth at quarterback."
Without a doubt, Cousins has played himself into a richer contract as he enters unrestricted free agency this offseason. Though the NFC East was one of the weaker divisions in football this year, the 27-year-old QB is a deserving candidate for division MVP.
