NFL Washington Redskins

Kirk Cousins Will Be X-Factor For Washington Redskins In Week 6

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By @Paul_Jackiewicz

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If the Washington Redskins are going to have any chance at defeating the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday, they’re going to need quarterback Kirk Cousins to have a big game. This leads me to believe that he’s Washington’s x-factor this week. Which means he’ll be the main reason they either win or lose this game.

Just by looking at where the Cardinals’ defense ranks, it’s obvious to me that Cousins will have a chance to have a big game. Arizona is ranked 31st in the NFL against the pass and fourth against the run. The reason they’re ranked so poorly against the pass is because the Cardinals can’t seem to get to the quarterback. They’re almost last in the league in sacks through the first five weeks of the season.

Of course many people still can’t get over the images of Cousins throwing multiple interceptions against the New York Giants just two weeks ago at FedEx field. Looking back at the four interceptions that he threw, the first one that Prince Amukamara picked off was due to poor ball placement on the part of Cousins. Instead he should have thrown the ball to the outside of the receiver, but he threw it inside right where Amukamara was lurking and the rest is history. The other three interceptions were due to poor decisions. There was always a defensive back in close proximity to the receiver that Cousins was targeting, and it appeared that he was trying to make a play with the Redskins trailing by multiple touchdowns. This leads me to be believe that the game against the Giants is not and will not be the norm for him going forward.

You also have to look at this past week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. Cousins looked more comfortable and did a nice job of getting the ball out quickly. I also didn’t see him stare down his receivers as much, which is something he needs to continue to work on in order to avoid turnovers. Cousins finished the game completing 21-of-36 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns.

In the end, despite the fact that the Cardinals’ pass defense is ranked 31st in the NFL, it won’t be easy for Cousins and the Redskins with Arizona boasting two premier cornerbacks in Antonio Cromartie and Patrick Peterson.

Paul Jackiewicz is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Paul_Jackiewicz, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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