Picked to finish last just about everywhere last season, the Washington Redskins shocked everyone by winning the NFC East. The RGIII era finally came to an end when he was benched in the preseason, and Kirk Cousins was handed the full time job. Cousins struggled at the outset but was an absolute monster down the stretch, leading the Redskins to the division crown. One year later, the same cast of characters are back on offense, and a major upgrade is here on the defensive side of the ball.
Wait, who got released? That was the reaction of everyone when the Carolina Panthers rescinded the rights to All Pro Cornerback Josh Norman on April 20th. On April 22nd, Norman was a Washington Redskin after signing a 5 year $75 million deal. Washington went back to their old ways for this signing, flying Norman to Ashburn on Redskins One, and keeping him in the building until he signed. Norman instantly upgrades the defense, and him and Bashaud Breeland are suddenly one of the top Cornerback tandems in the NFL.
Will we still like that? The Redskins went 6-3 after Cousins’ infamous shout after week seven. After the bye, Washington started to mold the offense more around the passing game and the Redskins never looked back. The loss of Alfred Morris in the offseason means Matt Jones is the primary running back. That likely means even more passes by Washington this season. Cousins has everything he needs to succeed. A savvy veteran in Pierre Garcon who has no problem going over the middle. A game changing receiver in DeSean Jackson. A top 3 tight end and a matchup nightmare in Jordan Reed. The offense is well designed on timing patterns. All Cousins has to do is throw the passes on time. If he plays like the second half of 2015, this team can make a lot of noise.
Best of the Worst? Last season the Redskins may have won the division by default. With the 2016 season ready to begin, the Redskins are primed to be the top team again. Another injury to Tony Romo has derailed the Cowboys early, and the Giants have not been able to score a touchdown in the preseason. Washington looks like the most complete team, but they also have questions. They did not beat a team with a winning record in 2015, and were exposed in the playoffs when Green Bay decided they didn’t even have to defend the run. We will learn a lot about this team on opening night against the Steelers.
Fantasy Focus Jordan reed is the best tight end in the league not named Rob Gronkowski. The same goes for fantasy leagues. Reed caught 94% of his passes over the last month of the season and is the first look on almost every route. He is the best Redskin to own for fantasy purposes. DeSean Jackson is a boom or bust player every week, and is more valuable in non-PPR leagues. Matt Jones is the only running back on the team so he is worthy of a roster spot. Cousins could be a top-5 option just based on volume, but just keep an eye on his turnovers.
Prediction All three teams in the NFC East are going through transitions one way or another. Be it at head coach, quarterback, or both. The Redskins made small improvements to a division winner and look poised to win this crown again. 10-6