The Story of the 2015 Washington Redskins

(photo credit: Twitter.com)

In the 2012 NFL Draft, Washington made a blockbuster trade to move up and select Heisman winner Robert Griffin III, hoping he would be their franchise Quarterback. During the third round they' d select another signal-caller Michigan State product Kirk Cousins.

Given Washington's pre-draft moves conventional wisdom said he was going be a career backup. Fast forward to the 2015 preseason and things had changed in the District of Columbia. Jay Gruden was heading into his second year as Head Coach when injury prone Griffin went down with a concussion in the preseason. Soon after Gruden would make the decision fans had been begging for and name Cousins their starting quarterback.

Cousins had given inconsistent performances during his first three seasons, throwing 18 touchdowns, 19 interceptions and completing 58.9% of his attempts. However as the full-time starter Cousins had a breakout year leading the NFL in completion percentage (69.8%) and throwing 29 touchdowns to only 11 interceptions. His consistency as the signal caller helped Washington made the playoffs and win their division for only the second time in the 21st century.

Washington also saw a significant improvement on the other side of the ball. While they ranked worse in yards allowed (28th) then they did during the 2014 campaign (20th); their scoring defense improved from 29th to 17th over that same stretch. These along with a steady running game led by Alfred Morris and Matt Jones led them to a 9-7 record. While many consider the season a success given expectations at the beginning of the year Gruden's first trip to the postseason was short one as his squad lost in the NFC Wild Card round.

As they look to the 2016 NFL season a number of questions, like can they build off last year's momentum, linger for Washington. But none are bigger than if Cousins was a one year wonder or if he'll be the same player he was last season. With Griffin in Cleveland Cousins has the keys to the kingdom, and the team's success will hinge if he can continue to build on last season performance.