ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins question of the week centers on quarterback Kirk Cousins. Enjoy.
@john_keim Crazy question. Is Kirk outplaying the rest of 2012 draft class this season? Think there is an argument for yes. #jkquestion
— Kevin Simone (@ksim15) November 6, 2015John Keim: Yeah, it’s a little bit crazy. No, I don’t think he’s outplaying everyone else from his class. I do think this class obviously does not look as strong as it did a year ago thanks to the struggles by the Colts’ Andrew Luck and the Seahawks’ Russell Wilson. Once upon a time, this class looked like it might go down as one of the best ever, after its rookie season in which Robert Griffin III also starred. Since then, Wilson and Luck had maintained their success until this season while Miami’s Ryan Tannehill has been on a slow climb -- at times too slow.
But I would not say Cousins is outperforming them. He’s playing at a level you would probably expect. Had he guided the Redskins to a road win or two, then maybe you could make that case just because the others are struggling. However, that hasn’t happened. All of these quarterbacks have been too inconsistent this season.
Statistics don’t tell the entire story for a quarterback. A lot depends on what they’re asked to do. Still, here’s how Cousins’ season compares to the other starters from his draft class:
Cousins: He’s completed 68.7 percent of his passes for 1,737 yards, nine touchdowns and eight interceptions for an 85.1 passer rating. Best stat: He’s been sacked only eight times. He’s led two game-winning drives, but has one pick-six in overtime.
Luck: He’s taken the most mysterious stumble, completing 54.9 percent of his passes for 1,629 yards, 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions for a 71.6 passer rating. Yes, Cousins has outplayed him. But is Luck truly playing hurt as has been reported (ribs)? Also, Luck is asked to do a lot more -- how would Cousins hold up in a similar situation? Still, it’s amazing how bad Luck has looked.
Wilson: He has the best numbers of this group, though he too has been criticized. Wilson has completed 68.8 percent of his passes for 1,878 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions for a 95.0 passer rating. He averages 8.03 yards per pass attempt compared to Cousins’ 6.48. Wilson also has rushed for 303 yards. He’s been sacked 31 times, and what he’s done this year might look bad in Seattle but probably would be welcomed in Washington. He’s succeeded in the past despite a weak offensive line that seems to be worse this season.
Tannehill: I was less than impressed with Tannehill when the Redskins hosted Miami. I thought he was decidedly average and his numbers aren’t good either, but they are better than Cousins’. Tannehill has completed 62.7 percent of his throws for 1,928 yards, 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions for an 87.1 rating. Nothing great. He has been sacked 21 times.
Nick Foles: Wasn’t a big fan of his in Philadelphia and still not sold on him with St. Louis. Foles has completed 58.8 percent of his passes for 1,310 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions for an 81.6 rating. His best move? Handing off to running back Todd Gurley.