When you talk about the Washington Redskins, you are usually speaking in negative connotations. Well in 2016 that should be much different. There is a strong optimism coming from Redskins Park. This comes from the way that the team finished 2015. 2016 should be better. How much better? Here are three bold predictions for 2016.
12 win season
The Washington Redskins are poised to grow on the success of 2016. They finished the 2015 season as one of the hottest teams in football. The Redskins went 6-2 in their final eight games of 2015. Washington is returning all starters on offense, and they only improved their defense. I believe that with the continued play of last season, this team could make a lot of noise in the NFC. Can 12 wins result in a consecutive NFC East Championship? Only time will tell. Washington Redskins will have a record of 12-4 for 2016.
Repeat NFC East Champs
Why is this a bold prediction you ask? Well, there has not been a repeat NFC East Champ since the 2004 Philadelphia Eagles. During that time the Eagles had won it four years straight. So that is what makes this a bold prediction. With the above prediction, this should be a given although there is stiffer competition in the division this year. The New York Giants should be much improved.
On paper, they looked to be markedly improved. The Dallas Cowboys should also be a better team. The defense in and health of Tony Romo are always big questions, however. The Washington Redskins, with 12 wins, should be well prepared to repeat as NFC East Champions.
Kirk Cousins MVP Talk
This is the boldest of the bold predictions in 2016. If he continues to play at the level, he will end 2015 there should be no reason he should not be mentioned in the MVP talk. He led the NFL with a 70% completion rate at the end of 2015. He led the Washington Redskins to a 6-2 record in their final eight games.
Cousins broke several team records. He did all this while only playing well in basically 10 games. The first half of the season everyone thought “same ole Kirk Cousins!” The light bulb came on in week 7 and stayed on for the rest of the year. As a matter of fact, the bulb only got brighter. Full 16 games with that bright bulb should lead to great things in 2016 and beyond.
So far the Washington Redskins are, again, getting no love in 2016. It is about time that some people realize that this team is in the making of something strong. Free agents want to come play here because “they see hardware!” Their free agents want to sign at lower money to keep a good thing going. If they continue to have success, the bold predictions may become a regular conversation. Keep your eyes on the 2016 Washington Redskins, a champion in the making!