Prior to last season, Redskins quarterback Trent Williams had only started nine games in his first three seasons with the team.
Cousins was given full reign to run Washington's offense in 2015, and he took advantage of the opportunity. He led the team on a four-game winning streak to end the season, and with that streak came an NFC East championship.
Having that kind of success in his first full year as the starting quarterback has given Cousins an infinite supply of confidence heading into the 2016 regular season.
Fox Sports' Cameron DaSilva was so impressed by what Cousins did last season, that he placed him in his list of "The five most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL."
"Prior to last season, Kirk Cousins was known as the guy who the Redskins took after selecting Robert Griffin III second overall," DaSilva said. "It was a selection that raised many eyebrows at the time, but one that has worked out wonderfully for Washington."
DaSilva went on to say that because Cousins was drafted after Griffin III, he had to bide his time before he was really able to showcase his skills – skills DaSilva believes will earn Cousins an eventual Pro Bowl nod.
"Cousins doesn't get much attention as a Pro Bowl-caliber player," DaSilva said. "However, that's what he is. Consider this: He was one of just four quarterbacks with 4,100 yards, at least 29 touchdowns, fewer than 12 picks and a passer rating over 100. Those are great numbers, especially for a guy in his first season as a starter."
It's hard to disagree with DaSilva believing Cousins can head to Orlando, Fla., next year for the Pro Bowl. Although, Redskins Nation would much rather see Cousins guiding the team to Super Bowl LI in Houston than settle for watching him play the week before.
