**Official** 2015 Washington Redskins Thread YOU LIKE THAT! (1 Viewer)

[fatness]

Odell Beckham Jr. is just completely sick. That catch:

My son said that after the game #38 for the Skins went over to Beckham and asked for his gloves, which Beckham gave him. Probably for a kid or something.

 

[fatness]

FYI, I sold those tickets for $75 a piece (face was $125).

Now I have to sell Dallas, which fortunately should go for well above face, given we're in 1st and its Dallas.

If you want to know why I'm selling, long story short, wife had to quit her job and hasn't found a new one yet. We're fine with her not working for at least a year, but since she was the one who paid for the tickets (via her side of the family), she wants her money back so she can Christmas shop. No joke. :(

I shouldn't complain though, I got to 4 games this year and it didn't cost me a dime.

Sorry to hear about your wife's job, man. Hang in there. Bad stuff turns into good stuff eventually; you just have to hang around and wait for it.

 

[MikeApf]

Doc Walker this morning: "I want to see Pot Roast bullrush the center right into the quarterback and get disqualified for unnecessary roughness."

 

[MikeApf]

Odell Beckham Jr. is just completely sick. That catch:

My son said that after the game #38 for the Skins went over to Beckham and asked for his gloves, which Beckham gave him. Probably for a kid or something.

On that:

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/redskinsblog/redskins-react-odell-beckham-td-catch-not-human-and-amazing?p=ya5nbcs&ocid=yahoo

The best story came from Jason Hatcher, who explained that Beckham is his son's favorite player.

"My son, I think he love Odell Beckham more than he do me. I guess I'm gonna have to go out and buy his jersey," Hatcher joked.



(On side note, I would have sold those gloves to a collector, but I'm a greedy bastage)

 

[dgreen]

I was at the game yesterday and didn't notice any regular updates of Beckham's stats during the game. For most of the game, I was noticing how well they were doing against him. Even after the game, I thought Breeland, Dunbar, and Blackmon all did a good job overall. Then I get in the car and hear he was 9-142-1. I was a bit shocked and still couldn't get the thought out of my mind that the D did a pretty good job there. Then I heard he was targeted 18 times! If you tell me Beckham is going to get 18 targets, I think I'd take 9-142-1. Sure, you'd hope for a little better - fewer yards and no TD - but could have been much worse on 18 targets.

 

[MikeApf]

I was at the game yesterday and didn't notice any regular updates of Beckham's stats during the game. For most of the game, I was noticing how well they were doing against him. Even after the game, I thought Breeland, Dunbar, and Blackmon all did a good job overall. Then I get in the car and hear he was 9-142-1. I was a bit shocked and still couldn't get the thought out of my mind that the D did a pretty good job there. Then I heard he was targeted 18 times! If you tell me Beckham is going to get 18 targets, I think I'd take 9-142-1. Sure, you'd hope for a little better - fewer yards and no TD - but could have been much worse on 18 targets.

Honestly, other than the circus catch, it really seemed like a "quiet" 142 yards. I mean, the Giants basically had two quick scoring drives and apart from that, they were effectively shut down. I'm sure Beckham had catches along the way but obviously they did not amount to a whole lot.

The lack of a second receiver stepping up really hurt them. Who was their second guy, Harris? He just seemed out of it. After he got levelled in the first quarter, he was a non factor.

It was a good showing by the Redskins D. You mention Dunbar...that dude is a converted WR. Before the season, we were all like Joe Barry who? But props to the defensive coaches getting these guys ready to play...

 

[(HULK)]

FWIW, my financial situation is fine. We have an emergency fund with 6 months of expenses saved up, plus my wife read the writing on the wall and stashed away 1/2 her salary he last 6 months there. She literally sees the Skins tickets as a frivolous expense and is trying to get her money back to blow it elsewhere. Thats it. Please do not worry about us, we got by fine on just my salary for 5 years when our kids were younger.

 

[dgreen]

She literally sees the Skins tickets as a frivolous expense

Say what now? Start hiding Skins tickets.

I hear you, though. I continually ask myself why I buy season tickets. I've been to so many games that I'm ok with not attending much anymore. I always enjoy being there, just don't enjoy the cost and the time effort involved. Really, the only reason right now is my kids. They love it. They really look forward to "their" game. Once the schedule comes out, they each (3 kids) pick one game to attend. Sometimes they get to go to a 2nd game if I don't sell some.

Next year, I'm going to start using some of my rewards points and surprise the kids with pregame sideline passes.

I'm looking forward to when kids are old enough to go together and don't need me or mom to take them.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Maybe they could try hypnosis with Cousins. "No Kurt, this is not Chicago/Philadelphia/Dallas. This is FedEx Field. Go light it up." Probably be looking at 10-6 if that worked.

Well, somebody has to win the division. Giants sure as hell don't want to, so why not?

The losing road record has more to do with who they have played on the road - Patriots, Panthers, Jets, Falcons, 1st game vs Giants

Conversely, the home record has more to do with who they played at home - wins vs Bucs, Rams, Saints, Eagles, Giants; loss to Dolphins

I wouldn't read too much into it.

They've been fortunate to win a couple of close ones (Bucs, Eagles), unfortunate to lose a couple of close ones (Falcons, Dolphins). So that's a wash.

It's a team with average players and average coaching. But they seem headed in the right direction. All comes back to the hiring of McCloughan, who appears to have found some young talent and depth. A couple more years of him making the right moves and good things will happen.

 

[Swing 51]

Awesome win, I still can't believe it. But who let Gekko in to this thread?

 

[MikeApf]

FWIW, my financial situation is fine. We have an emergency fund with 6 months of expenses saved up, plus my wife read the writing on the wall and stashed away 1/2 her salary he last 6 months there. She literally sees the Skins tickets as a frivolous expense and is trying to get her money back to blow it elsewhere. Thats it. Please do not worry about us, we got by fine on just my salary for 5 years when our kids were younger.

Glad to hear it dude!

 

[MattFancy]

Here's a question, could Scot be in contention for Executive of the Year?

 

[MikeApf]

Fatness, if you are listening to the radio today, please let me know how much Cooley would sign Cousins for today or at least whether it would be north or south of 20M/year...

 

[dhockster]

The eagles are the biggest disappointment to me. They have a 3rd year coach who has the keys to the car, rearranged the roster and cap space to his liking, has suffered no major long term injuries, and ended up blowing. I had them being a legit SB threat. there isn't a whole lot for them to build around if they go to a full reset this offseason. I'm curious what the impact to their cap looks like if a new regime comes in and dumps guys like Murray and that overrated #2 corner they signed to be a #1.

Eagles fans have to be particularly frustrated, which I enjoy thoroughly.

I am extremely frustrated, so please, revel in my misery. At least, then, some good will come out of my team sucking.

 

[fatness]

Fatness, if you are listening to the radio today, please let me know how much Cooley would sign Cousins for today or at least whether it would be north or south of 20M/year...

I'll listen on the ride home and report back here. I'm guessing his breakdowns this week will be "everyone was awesome".

Cousins did have a good day, and also had a bit of luck that usually seems to go against the Skins. He threw 3 balls that I thought should have been intercepted. But he also fit some balls into tight windows, and did a good job of keeping an eye on the rush while waiting for a guy to break open or throwing out of bounds. He played well.

 

[fatness]

The night before the Washington Redskins hosted the New York Giants, safety Dashon Goldson called a players-only meeting. He wanted to voice some thoughts and concerns -- and he wanted others to do the same. So they did. A number of players spoke and, they said, got their points across. Left tackle Trent Williams said it was the first such meeting of the season.

“It was much needed,” Goldson said.

His message centered on being confident in who they have in the locker room and what they can do. “We’ve got the talent here, it was a mindset for us to click today and we all played together. We played as a team," he said. "My message was to come together and play good in all phases and put aside any personal things you’ve got. As long as we’re on the field together we have to hit that switch, and we did that.”

John Keim

 

[MattFancy]

The night before the Washington Redskins hosted the New York Giants, safety Dashon Goldson called a players-only meeting. He wanted to voice some thoughts and concerns -- and he wanted others to do the same. So they did. A number of players spoke and, they said, got their points across. Left tackle Trent Williams said it was the first such meeting of the season.

“It was much needed,” Goldson said.

His message centered on being confident in who they have in the locker room and what they can do. “We’ve got the talent here, it was a mindset for us to click today and we all played together. We played as a team," he said. "My message was to come together and play good in all phases and put aside any personal things you’ve got. As long as we’re on the field together we have to hit that switch, and we did that.”

John Keim

McCloughan should get a ton of credit for bringing in guys like this. It's important to have some guys on the roster who have tasted success before. Knighton and Goldson seem to have made just as big of an impact in the locker room as they have on the field.

 

[fatness]

lol

 

[MikeApf]

Fatness, if you are listening to the radio today, please let me know how much Cooley would sign Cousins for today or at least whether it would be north or south of 20M/year...

I'll listen on the ride home and report back here. I'm guessing his breakdowns this week will be "everyone was awesome".

Cousins did have a good day, and also had a bit of luck that usually seems to go against the Skins. He threw 3 balls that I thought should have been intercepted. But he also fit some balls into tight windows, and did a good job of keeping an eye on the rush while waiting for a guy to break open or throwing out of bounds. He played well.

Totally agree. There were some balls that could have been picked, but hey that's a part of the game.

Re: everyone is awesome. I saw one post game quote from Gruden, that I'll paraphrase as follows:

"I said after a loss, everyone gets a failing grade. Well, after a win, everyone gets a passing grade.'

Um, ok, coach.

Seriously, the team played great. I still think if Cousins continues the trend of protecting the ball, he could well be our best option next year and so he should probably be re-signed. Not break the bank re-signed, but certainly signed to a starters contract...

 

[fatness]

Saw this on twitter about Brndon Merriweather (of the Giants)

Meriweather allowed a perfect 158.3 passer rating in coverage (3 receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown.)

 

[Marvelous]

Maybe they could try hypnosis with Cousins. "No Kurt, this is not Chicago/Philadelphia/Dallas. This is FedEx Field. Go light it up." Probably be looking at 10-6 if that worked.

Well, somebody has to win the division. Giants sure as hell don't want to, so why not?

The losing road record has more to do with who they have played on the road - Patriots, Panthers, Jets, Falcons, 1st game vs Giants

Conversely, the home record has more to do with who they played at home - wins vs Bucs, Rams, Saints, Eagles, Giants; loss to Dolphins

I wouldn't read too much into it.

They've been fortunate to win a couple of close ones (Bucs, Eagles), unfortunate to lose a couple of close ones (Falcons, Dolphins). So that's a wash.

It's a team with average players and average coaching. But they seem headed in the right direction. All comes back to the hiring of McCloughan, who appears to have found some young talent and depth. A couple more years of him making the right moves and good things will happen.

So the Redskins are finally average. That is a huge improvement. I said before that mediocrity would be a vast improvement over what we have seen the past few years (actually decades).

 

[Biabreakable]

Congrats on taking the lead in the NFC (L)east. I hope this team ends up winning it because no one saw that coming.

 

[Marvelous]

I have been on vacation he past week, but did catch yesterday's game. I am finally caught up in this thread. One note to everyone who wants Gruden fired: Of all of the improvements, Gruden and the coaching is vastly improved over last year. Gruden specifically looks a lot better in just about every aspect I can think of. I was one of the first once to say last year that his comments on players were out of line and not head coaching material.

I also think Gruden got a complete mulligan after keeping Haslett and his defensive staff last year. So got to hire is own defensive assistants and start over again.

I also believe (no specific info on this) that having a real GM his helping him immensely. And I am sure that McCloughan went over with Gruden what he needed to do to improve, especially with his press conferences and keeping the team message consistent.

As I posted in the previous message, average is looking pretty good compared to where this team has been.

 

[MattFancy]

I'm still not fully on board the Gruden or Cousins train. Getting there though.

Gruden's play-calling, decision making, adjustments still need some work. I guess that is to be expected of a 2nd year HC, but I still don't full trust him in big situations. Maybe it's just because as a Skins fan, we've been let down so many times. I'll admit the team has certainly responded well to him and is playing better than expected. I'm just not 100% behind him quite yet. Call me cautiously optimistic.

As for Cousins, I'm probably one of the bigger Griffin guys in this thread if not the whole board. But Cousins has played well this season. I was calling for him to be benched at HT of of the Tampa game. Since then, he's been really good. Do I think he's the long-term solution here? I don't know, I can't say for certain one way or the other. But I think he could be a solid stop gap until we find out. If he gets this team to the playoffs, I'll gladly take my servings of crow.

 

[MikeApf]

Saw this on twitter about Brndon Merriweather (of the Giants)

Meriweather allowed a perfect 158.3 passer rating in coverage (3 receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown.)

When I saw him on the field, I turned and said to my friends, "Well, get ready for a helmet to helmet hit." Surprisingly there were none. Now we know why...wasn't close enough to ball carriers...

 

[MikeApf]

The night before the Washington Redskins hosted the New York Giants, safety Dashon Goldson called a players-only meeting. He wanted to voice some thoughts and concerns -- and he wanted others to do the same. So they did. A number of players spoke and, they said, got their points across. Left tackle Trent Williams said it was the first such meeting of the season.

“It was much needed,” Goldson said.

His message centered on being confident in who they have in the locker room and what they can do. “We’ve got the talent here, it was a mindset for us to click today and we all played together. We played as a team," he said. "My message was to come together and play good in all phases and put aside any personal things you’ve got. As long as we’re on the field together we have to hit that switch, and we did that.”

John Keim

This is interesting. What personal things?

 

[fatness]

The night before the Washington Redskins hosted the New York Giants, safety Dashon Goldson called a players-only meeting. He wanted to voice some thoughts and concerns -- and he wanted others to do the same. So they did. A number of players spoke and, they said, got their points across. Left tackle Trent Williams said it was the first such meeting of the season.

“It was much needed,” Goldson said.

His message centered on being confident in who they have in the locker room and what they can do. “We’ve got the talent here, it was a mindset for us to click today and we all played together. We played as a team," he said. "My message was to come together and play good in all phases and put aside any personal things you’ve got. As long as we’re on the field together we have to hit that switch, and we did that.”

John Keim

This is interesting. What personal things?

I don't know. I assume it was locker room bickering about someone doing or not doing their job, or lingering injuries, or other things football-related.

 

[PinkydaPimp]

I'm still not fully on board the Gruden or Cousins train. Getting there though.

Gruden's play-calling, decision making, adjustments still need some work. I guess that is to be expected of a 2nd year HC, but I still don't full trust him in big situations. Maybe it's just because as a Skins fan, we've been let down so many times. I'll admit the team has certainly responded well to him and is playing better than expected. I'm just not 100% behind him quite yet. Call me cautiously optimistic.

As for Cousins, I'm probably one of the bigger Griffin guys in this thread if not the whole board. But Cousins has played well this season. I was calling for him to be benched at HT of of the Tampa game. Since then, he's been really good. Do I think he's the long-term solution here? I don't know, I can't say for certain one way or the other. But I think he could be a solid stop gap until we find out. If he gets this team to the playoffs, I'll gladly take my servings of crow.

this is where i am at as well. I am enjoying seeing the improvements. Thats important. I am very interested to see if they can sustain these improvements and how they finish. Will they win 4 or the next 5? will they lose 4 of the next 5? WIll Cousin revert to turning the ball over? Will the playcalling improve or maintain? How about? We will find out something about our team this season and that makes this a productive season regardless of where it goes from here.

 

[Sebowski]

The night before the Washington Redskins hosted the New York Giants, safety Dashon Goldson called a players-only meeting. He wanted to voice some thoughts and concerns -- and he wanted others to do the same. So they did. A number of players spoke and, they said, got their points across. Left tackle Trent Williams said it was the first such meeting of the season.

“It was much needed,” Goldson said.

His message centered on being confident in who they have in the locker room and what they can do. “We’ve got the talent here, it was a mindset for us to click today and we all played together. We played as a team," he said. "My message was to come together and play good in all phases and put aside any personal things you’ve got. As long as we’re on the field together we have to hit that switch, and we did that.”

John Keim

This is interesting. What personal things?

That ws my first thought n this article as well.

 

[tangfoot]

The night before the Washington Redskins hosted the New York Giants, safety Dashon Goldson called a players-only meeting. He wanted to voice some thoughts and concerns -- and he wanted others to do the same. So they did. A number of players spoke and, they said, got their points across. Left tackle Trent Williams said it was the first such meeting of the season.

“It was much needed,” Goldson said.

His message centered on being confident in who they have in the locker room and what they can do. “We’ve got the talent here, it was a mindset for us to click today and we all played together. We played as a team," he said. "My message was to come together and play good in all phases and put aside any personal things you’ve got. As long as we’re on the field together we have to hit that switch, and we did that.”

John Keim

This is interesting. What personal things?

That ws my first thought n this article as well.

It's probably all RG3's fault.

 

[MattFancy]

As to the personal things comment, I took it as guys need to stop worrying about personal stats and focus on the team.

 

[fatness]

Keim's full article: http://espn.go.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/21862/redskins-effort-boosted-by-players-only-meeting-saturday-night

You can read it any way you want. It's not clear to me that "personal things" means "personal grievances" the way he used it.

 

[fatness]

Redskins injury update: TE Derek Carrier (high ankle sprain/Achilles), CB Quinton Dunbar (open dislocation of finger), WR Andre Roberts (knee) and RB Chris Thompson (sprain AC joint) are all day to day, coach Jay Gruden said.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/wsh/washington-redskins

 

[Da Guru]

The Redskins are starting to look good. Cousins seems to be a better option the Bobby Griffin.

 

[Sebowski]

As to the personal things comment, I took it as guys need to stop worrying about personal stats and focus on the team.

Could be that. Could be the "refs against us" stuff. Could be that someone is sleeping with Champ Bailey's wife. Could be Gilbert Arenas pulled on a gun on someone. Could be lots of stuff I guess.

 

[fatness]

So now consider that players-only meeting that Dashon Goldson called Saturday night. After Gruden was done addressing the team around 8:30 or 8:45, the veteran safety told coaches to leave but players to stay. “I was damn near almost the first person out, and Dashon told me to sit down,” Jean Francois said.

Then Goldson talked to his teammates about what he thinks they’re capable of, and the effort they need to give on Sundays, and the things they can still accomplish. He said they shouldn’t need a blimp or a banner to convince them they’re good enough to succeed, and that they shouldn’t need coaches to inspire them. Several more players then spoke, hitting on similar themes.

“A lot of dudes just had to get some things off their chest,” said Jean Francois, one of the speakers. “I appreciated the leadership, and I appreciated the accountability and the honesty,” quarterback Kirk Cousins said.

Dan Steinberg

 

[fatness]

I'm not that concerned about a players only meeting that led to a win. I'm concerned about when the Redskins can win 2 games in a row.

This made me laugh.

The Redskins are 4-18 in prime-time games since coach Joe Gibbs left in 2008. It’s like they’re the victim in a late-night crime show — CSI Redskins.

 

[Swing 51]

Early line has us favored by 4.5

 

[thayman]

I have been on vacation he past week, but did catch yesterday's game. I am finally caught up in this thread. One note to everyone who wants Gruden fired: Of all of the improvements, Gruden and the coaching is vastly improved over last year. Gruden specifically looks a lot better in just about every aspect I can think of. I was one of the first once to say last year that his comments on players were out of line and not head coaching material.

I also think Gruden got a complete mulligan after keeping Haslett and his defensive staff last year. So got to hire is own defensive assistants and start over again.

I also believe (no specific info on this) that having a real GM his helping him immensely. And I am sure that McCloughan went over with Gruden what he needed to do to improve, especially with his press conferences and keeping the team message consistent.

As I posted in the previous message, average is looking pretty good compared to where this team has been.

Gruden has improved from last year (that's not saying much). Penalties looked like they would be an issue again this year but that looks under control. What I really want to see from Gruden is stringing a few wins together, there's only so many Code Reds in a season.

 

[thayman]

Oh and it's Dallas Week!

 

[MattFancy]

Fatness, if you are listening to the radio today, please let me know how much Cooley would sign Cousins for today or at least whether it would be north or south of 20M/year...

I'll listen on the ride home and report back here. I'm guessing his breakdowns this week will be "everyone was awesome".

Cousins did have a good day, and also had a bit of luck that usually seems to go against the Skins. He threw 3 balls that I thought should have been intercepted. But he also fit some balls into tight windows, and did a good job of keeping an eye on the rush while waiting for a guy to break open or throwing out of bounds. He played well.

Listened to about the first 30-40 minutes yesterday.

Holy hell, Cooley is the biggest Cousins fanboy ever. He was telling everyone who said Cousins would be a career backup to "suck it". Everyone who doubted Gruden to "suck it". I get it, Cousins has played well this year. But holy hell, let's not act like he's the best thing ever. Know who else had 1 really good year? The guy Cousins replaced. Consistency has always been the issue with Kirk. Let's not get carried away over a good 5 game stretch.

 

[Swing 51]

I have been on vacation he past week, but did catch yesterday's game. I am finally caught up in this thread. One note to everyone who wants Gruden fired: Of all of the improvements, Gruden and the coaching is vastly improved over last year. Gruden specifically looks a lot better in just about every aspect I can think of. I was one of the first once to say last year that his comments on players were out of line and not head coaching material.

I also think Gruden got a complete mulligan after keeping Haslett and his defensive staff last year. So got to hire is own defensive assistants and start over again.

I also believe (no specific info on this) that having a real GM his helping him immensely. And I am sure that McCloughan went over with Gruden what he needed to do to improve, especially with his press conferences and keeping the team message consistent.

As I posted in the previous message, average is looking pretty good compared to where this team has been.

What I really want to see from Gruden is stringing a few wins together

Lets start with two in a row

 

[fatness]

Listened to about the first 30-40 minutes yesterday.

Holy hell, Cooley is the biggest Cousins fanboy ever. He was telling everyone who said Cousins would be a career backup to "suck it". Everyone who doubted Gruden to "suck it". I get it, Cousins has played well this year. But holy hell, let's not act like he's the best thing ever. Know who else had 1 really good year? The guy Cousins replaced. Consistency has always been the issue with Kirk. Let's not get carried away over a good 5 game stretch.

I missed almost all of it. Sounds like Cooley is getting worse. A couple weeks ago after a good Cousins game everyone was a moron. Now he's telling people to suck it. That's in addition to "He's Not My Boyfriend!" and "Ryan Grant Fell Down!"

Cooley has really gone downhill on the air. When she hears him on the radio my wife always says "so what team signed you this year, Cooley?".

 

[MattFancy]

Listened to about the first 30-40 minutes yesterday.

Holy hell, Cooley is the biggest Cousins fanboy ever. He was telling everyone who said Cousins would be a career backup to "suck it". Everyone who doubted Gruden to "suck it". I get it, Cousins has played well this year. But holy hell, let's not act like he's the best thing ever. Know who else had 1 really good year? The guy Cousins replaced. Consistency has always been the issue with Kirk. Let's not get carried away over a good 5 game stretch.

I missed almost all of it. Sounds like Cooley is getting worse. A couple weeks ago after a good Cousins game everyone was a moron. Now he's telling people to suck it. That's in addition to "He's Not My Boyfriend!" and "Ryan Grant Fell Down!"

Cooley has really gone downhill on the air. When she hears him on the radio my wife always says "so what team signed you this year, Cooley?".

I really did use to like him, but he became unlistenable to me during the preseason/TC. I'm all for supporting Cousins, but he is so over the top and does it in an obnoxious way. Galdi is getting there too. Poor Czabe is the voice of reason, but gets drowned out but the other 2 clowns.

 

[fatness]

Seems weird to say Czaban is the voice of reason, doesn't it? He is, on that show, which just shows how bad the other 2 are.

 

[MattFancy]

Seems weird to say Czaban is the voice of reason, doesn't it? He is, on that show, which just shows how bad the other 2 are.

Exactly. They read a tweet yesterday about a listener saying when people disagree with Cooley he acts like a #####. To which Cooley responded with his typical, "yeah okay guy" shtick. I mean it's 100% true. Cooley doesn't do well when people disagree with him. We get it dude, you played football forever and were pretty good at it. Doesn't mean you're opinion is always 100% correct.

They also brought up the Carrier injury and how Cooley is available. Just keep feeding into it.

 

[fatness]

I'm not convinced Gruden should stay or go. I agree that at this point the team looks better than last year. They should. They have a better roster. A 5-6 record isn't worth doing cartwheels over. It's below average. It's just better than we were last year. I'll hold off on my stay-or-go opinions on Gruden and Cousins til the end of the season. It's a year where so much seems precarious. 2 picks, one a pick 6, and a loss to the Cowboys would seem to change everything. So would a teamwide collapse. None of us feel safe in saying those aren't likely to happen. We're not nearly at the time to make those kinds of decisions.

Pretty good article on Gruden here, by John Keim: http://espn.go.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/21924/redskins-coach-jay-gruden-proving-self-with-players

Still, like his quarterback, Kirk Cousins, there's a referendum on Gruden each week: If the Redskins lose a game, there's grumbling among the fan base about both. Had Washington lost to the New York Giants this past weekend, there would have been calls for Gruden's job.

As one player said recently of the feel-good vibes surrounding the coach: "It helps when you win a couple games. It could change if we lose a couple in a row."

And I know I post a lot of links to John Keim, but HE IS NOT MY BOYFRIEND! OK?

 

[(HULK)]

I don't know why any of you both to listen to a Dan Snyder owned station for information about the Redskins. Way too biased. The Fan has its flaws, but I strongly prefer it because they won't sugar coat everything.

 

[MattFancy]

I don't know why any of you both to listen to a Dan Snyder owned station for information about the Redskins. Way too biased. The Fan has its flaws, but I strongly prefer it because they won't sugar coat everything.

I really haven't listened to much sports talk at all this season. EB is pretty much the Cooley of the Junkies. He's all over Cousins and gets pissed when people like Casserly and Riddick say Cousins won't be anything more than a backup.

 

[dgreen]

I think what Cooley misses out on is comparing Cousins to other QBs. He simply looks at Cousins and determines whether he thinks Cousins is playing well. But, really, it's more about how he compares to other QBs. "Good", "Great", "Average", "Bad" are all based on what else is out there at the time. What Cousins is doing now may compare well to, say, QB performances 10 or 15 years ago. I would certainly have taken 2015 Cousins production on my team in the early 90s. But, the game changes. For example, Cousins has a 91.7 quarterback rating this season. That sounds awesome based on the NFL I grew up watching. However, that's only good for 17th right now. (I'm not saying rating is the greatest stat; just using it as an example. As I posted in the Cousins thread a couple weeks ago, he ranks in the average or below average neighborhood on other stats like Y/A, AY/A, etc.)

Statistically, I'd say Cousins is an average QB, at best, in today's NFL. The most encouraging thing, I think, about him right now is that he no longer craps the bed. That's a step in the right direction. Interestingly, Football Outsiders - who probably do some of the best football statistical work and take game situations into account - have Cousins 10th in DYAR and 12th in DVOA. Those are a bit higher than I'd expect, but I certainly respect their work more than others.

He's had his moments. He might develop more and become a top 10 QB. He might not. Cooley believes in him. Others do not.