January 21, 2016
By Justin Nicely
By Justin Nicely
Vote for who you think should win the 2015 most valuable player, offensive player of the year, defensive player of the year, special teams player of the year, most improved player, of the year, top free agent pick up, and rookie of the year.
Most Valuable Player
Nominees:
Kirk Cousins
In his first season as the starter, Cousins help lead the Redskins to the NFC East title and into the playoffs. Kirk Cousins finished with 379 completions, 69.8 completion percentage, 4,166 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He broke Redskins’ season single-season record for passing yards that was previously held by Jay Schroeder. This is how Cousins ranks on single-season list: first in yards, first in completions, first in attempts, second in touchdowns, second in completion percentage, and third in quarterback rating. He had two games with an 80+ completion percentage, 300+ yards, 3+ TDs, and 0 interceptions; no other Redskins QB has ever had one such game. Cousins was also voted as the NFC offensive player of the month in December.
Jordan Reed
The 6’2”, 237lb tight end was Kirk Cousins go to receiver this year and has become one of the best tight ends in the league. Some experts even believe Reed can become as good or an even better than Patriots’ stud tight end Rob Gronkowski because of the athleticism that Reed possesses. He was finally healthy most of the year; playing in 14 games out of 16. Jordan Reed led the team with 87 receptions, 952 yards, and 11 touchdowns this season.
Trent Williams
When Williams is not dressed in uniform the Redskins offensive line usually struggles without him. He is the leader of the offensive line and was elected the captain of the offense. Even though he had a down game vs the Packers in the playoffs; Silverback is widely considered the best left tackle in the league and was selected to his fourth pro bowl this season.
Ryan Kerrigan
Kerrigan had a slow start to the season because of a knee surgery he had in the offseason but really made his presence felt in the second half of the season. He played in all 16 games and finished with 42 tackles (33 solo), 9.5 sacks, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles.
Bashaud Breeland
After Chris Culliver was lost for the season and after DeAngelo Hall moved to safety, Bashaud Breeland stepped up to the challenge for the second year in a row to be the Redskins top corner. Breeland was the third corner coming into the season with Culliver and Hall on the outside. The second year corner finished with 81 total tackles (59 solo), 16 passes defended, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Kirk Cousins
In his first season as the starter, Cousins help lead the Redskins to the NFC East title and into the playoffs. Kirk Cousins finished with 379 completions, 69.8 completion percentage, 4,166 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He broke Redskins’ season single-season record for passing yards that was previously held by Jay Schroeder. This is how Cousins ranks on single-season list: first in yards, first in completions, first in attempts, second in touchdowns, second in completion percentage, and third in quarterback rating. He had two games with an 80+ completion percentage, 300+ yards, 3+ TDs, and 0 interceptions; no other Redskins QB has ever had one such game. Cousins was also voted as the NFC offensive player of the month in December.
Jordan Reed
The 6’2”, 237lb tight end was Kirk Cousins go to receiver this year and has become one of the best tight ends in the league. Some experts even believe Reed can become as good or an even better than Patriots’ stud tight end Rob Gronkowski because of the athleticism that Reed possesses. He was finally healthy most of the year; playing in 14 games out of 16. Jordan Reed led the team with 87 receptions, 952 yards, and 11 touchdowns this season.
Trent Williams
When Williams is not dressed in uniform the Redskins offensive line usually struggles without him. He is the leader of the offensive line and was elected the captain of the offense. Even though he had a down game vs the Packers in the playoffs; Silverback is widely considered the best left tackle in the league and was selected to his fourth pro bowl this season.
Ryan Kerrigan
Kerrigan had a slow start to the season because of a knee surgery he had in the offseason but really made his presence felt in the second half of the season. He played in all 16 games and finished with 42 tackles (33 solo), 9.5 sacks, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles.
Bashaud Breeland
After Chris Culliver was lost for the season and after DeAngelo Hall moved to safety, Bashaud Breeland stepped up to the challenge for the second year in a row to be the Redskins top corner. Breeland was the third corner coming into the season with Culliver and Hall on the outside. The second year corner finished with 81 total tackles (59 solo), 16 passes defended, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Result: QB Kirk Cousins (69.6% votes received)
Offensive Player of the Year
Nominees:
Kirk Cousins
In his first season as the starter, Cousins help lead the Redskins to the NFC East title and into the playoffs. Kirk Cousins finished with 379 completions, 69.8 completion percentage, 4,166 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He broke Redskins’ season single-season record for passing yards that was previously held by Jay Schroeder. This is how Cousins ranks on single-season list: first in yards, first in completions, first in attempts, second in touchdowns, second in completion percentage, and third in quarterback rating. He had two games with an 80+ completion percentage, 300+ yards, 3+ TDs, and 0 interceptions; no other Redskins QB has ever had one such game. Cousins was also voted as the NFC offensive player of the month in December.
Jordan Reed
The 6’2”, 237lb tight end was Kirk Cousins go to receiver this year and has become one of the best tight ends in the league. Some experts even believe Reed can become as good or an even better than Patriots’ stud tight end Rob Gronkowski because of the athleticism that Reed possesses. He was finally healthy most of the year; playing in 14 games out of 16. Jordan Reed led the team with 87 receptions, 952 yards, and 11 touchdowns this season.
Trent Williams
When Williams is not dressed in uniform the Redskins offensive line usually struggles without him. He is the leader of the offensive line and was elected the captain of the offense. Even though he had a down game vs the Packers in the playoffs; Silverback is widely considered the best left tackle in the league and was selected to his fourth pro bowl this season.
Pierre Garcon
Garcon was second on the team with 72 receptions, 777 yards, and six touchdowns. Pierre Garcon has been a great addition to the team since signing with them in 2012 and has been a big factor in every game.
Kirk Cousins
In his first season as the starter, Cousins help lead the Redskins to the NFC East title and into the playoffs. Kirk Cousins finished with 379 completions, 69.8 completion percentage, 4,166 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He broke Redskins’ season single-season record for passing yards that was previously held by Jay Schroeder. This is how Cousins ranks on single-season list: first in yards, first in completions, first in attempts, second in touchdowns, second in completion percentage, and third in quarterback rating. He had two games with an 80+ completion percentage, 300+ yards, 3+ TDs, and 0 interceptions; no other Redskins QB has ever had one such game. Cousins was also voted as the NFC offensive player of the month in December.
Jordan Reed
The 6’2”, 237lb tight end was Kirk Cousins go to receiver this year and has become one of the best tight ends in the league. Some experts even believe Reed can become as good or an even better than Patriots’ stud tight end Rob Gronkowski because of the athleticism that Reed possesses. He was finally healthy most of the year; playing in 14 games out of 16. Jordan Reed led the team with 87 receptions, 952 yards, and 11 touchdowns this season.
Trent Williams
When Williams is not dressed in uniform the Redskins offensive line usually struggles without him. He is the leader of the offensive line and was elected the captain of the offense. Even though he had a down game vs the Packers in the playoffs; Silverback is widely considered the best left tackle in the league and was selected to his fourth pro bowl this season.
Pierre Garcon
Garcon was second on the team with 72 receptions, 777 yards, and six touchdowns. Pierre Garcon has been a great addition to the team since signing with them in 2012 and has been a big factor in every game.
Result: TE Jordan Reed (58.3% votes received)
Defensive Player of the Year
Nominees:
Chris Baker
Swaggy Baker took over as starting defensive end a few games into the season and played great this season. Baker had 53 tackles (26 solo), with six sacks, one pass defended, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Will Compton
Compton came in as the starting linebacker in the middle of the season and ran with it. He energized the defense and solidified the middle. He made a few adjustments to the defense late in games that helped win games for the Redskins. Compton finished with 96 total tackles (52 solo), one sack, one interception, one fumble recovery, and three passes defended.
Ryan Kerrigan
Kerrigan had a slow start to the season because of a knee surgery he had in the offseason but really made his presence felt in the second half of the season. He played in all 16 games and finished with 42 tackles (33 solo), 9.5 sacks, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles.
Bashaud Breeland
After Chris Culliver was lost for the season and after DeAngelo Hall moved to safety, Bashaud Breeland stepped up to the challenge for the second year in a row to be the Redskins top corner. Breeland was the third corner coming into the season with Culliver and Hall on the outside. The second year corner finished with 81 total tackles (59 solo), 16 passes defended, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Will Blackmon
After signing with the team following the loss to Miami, Blackmon was thrown into the starting lineup and played great. He was also tied for the second lowest burn percentage just behind Darrelle Revis this season. Blackmon had 49 total tackles (38 solo), one sack, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and eight passes defended.
Dashon Goldson
The veteran safety provided good play from the safety position this season which is something the Redskins haven’t had in years. Goldson was the leader and captain of the defense this year and they really stepped up their game from last season under Goldson’s leadership. He finished with 110 tackles (71 solo), one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, one interception, one touchdown, and three passes defended.
Chris Baker
Swaggy Baker took over as starting defensive end a few games into the season and played great this season. Baker had 53 tackles (26 solo), with six sacks, one pass defended, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Will Compton
Compton came in as the starting linebacker in the middle of the season and ran with it. He energized the defense and solidified the middle. He made a few adjustments to the defense late in games that helped win games for the Redskins. Compton finished with 96 total tackles (52 solo), one sack, one interception, one fumble recovery, and three passes defended.
Ryan Kerrigan
Kerrigan had a slow start to the season because of a knee surgery he had in the offseason but really made his presence felt in the second half of the season. He played in all 16 games and finished with 42 tackles (33 solo), 9.5 sacks, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles.
Bashaud Breeland
After Chris Culliver was lost for the season and after DeAngelo Hall moved to safety, Bashaud Breeland stepped up to the challenge for the second year in a row to be the Redskins top corner. Breeland was the third corner coming into the season with Culliver and Hall on the outside. The second year corner finished with 81 total tackles (59 solo), 16 passes defended, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Will Blackmon
After signing with the team following the loss to Miami, Blackmon was thrown into the starting lineup and played great. He was also tied for the second lowest burn percentage just behind Darrelle Revis this season. Blackmon had 49 total tackles (38 solo), one sack, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and eight passes defended.
Dashon Goldson
The veteran safety provided good play from the safety position this season which is something the Redskins haven’t had in years. Goldson was the leader and captain of the defense this year and they really stepped up their game from last season under Goldson’s leadership. He finished with 110 tackles (71 solo), one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, one interception, one touchdown, and three passes defended.
Result: DE Chris Baker (33.3% votes received)
Special Teamer of the Year
Nominees:
Tess Way
Way punted 70 times for 46.1 average yards, 7 touchbacks, 21 inside the 20 yard line, and his longest punt went for 64 yards.
Dustin Hopkins
Dustin Hopkins made seven out of seven from 20-29, nine out of nine from 30-39, seven out of eight from 40-49, and two out of four from 50+.
Nick Sundberg
Sundberg was again solid for the ‘Skins this season as the long snapper, making almost every snap easy for the holder to get.
Rashad Ross
Ross had 28 kick returns, 684 yards (averaged 24.4), had a long of 101 yards, and one touchdown.
Tess Way
Way punted 70 times for 46.1 average yards, 7 touchbacks, 21 inside the 20 yard line, and his longest punt went for 64 yards.
Dustin Hopkins
Dustin Hopkins made seven out of seven from 20-29, nine out of nine from 30-39, seven out of eight from 40-49, and two out of four from 50+.
Nick Sundberg
Sundberg was again solid for the ‘Skins this season as the long snapper, making almost every snap easy for the holder to get.
Rashad Ross
Ross had 28 kick returns, 684 yards (averaged 24.4), had a long of 101 yards, and one touchdown.
Result: P Tress Way and KR Rashad Ross (33.3% Votes Received)
Comeback Player of the Year
(Note: Comeback means players who comeback from injuries or players that had a down year in 2014 and came back strong in 2015.)
Nominees:
Kirk Cousins
Cousins took over for the injured Robert Griffin III in the game vs the Jaguars in 2014 and it was the only game he won. After a couple of losses as the starter Cousins was benched and was the third stringer the rest of the season. At the beginning of the season, Jay Gruden announced that Cousins would be the starter the whole season and it paid off. Kirk Cousins had a record breaking year as mentioned above and looks to be the Redskins franchise quarterback.
Jordan Reed
Reed only played in 11 games and didn’t score a single touchdown in 2014. This season he led the teams in receptions and touchdowns. He attracted double teams from opposing defenses and has become on of the best tight ends in the NFL.
Morgan Moses
Morgan Moses missed some of the 2014 season and 2015 offseason after his Lisfranc injury. He entered training camp working as the back up to Trent Williams, but a few days in the Redskins decided to try him as the right tackle and put Brandon Scherff inside at guard and it turned out to be a great move. Even though Moses didn’t play great all year he took a big step and showed a lot of improvement that can also be contributed to offensive line coach Bill Callahan. Morgan Moses look to be the Redskins right tackle of the future.
DeAngelo Hall
Hall missed most of the 2014 season after tearing his Achilles in the third game of the season, and then while recovering at home, Hall re-tore it and had to have surgery again. DeAngelo Hall started the year as the number two corner but switched to safety midway through the season. After switching to safety Hall struggled the first game or two but started to get comfortable with the position and started playing really well. Some experts even believe Hall will be a top safety next season because of his physicality and his cover skills from playing corner.
Dashon Goldson
Last year, Goldson was rated as the second worst safety in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. He had 81 tackles, one forced fumble, and one pass defended in the 2014 season with the Bucs. This year, however, Goldson was the captain of the defense and had 110 tackles (71 solo), one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, one interception, one touchdown, and three passes defended.
Nominees:
Kirk Cousins
Cousins took over for the injured Robert Griffin III in the game vs the Jaguars in 2014 and it was the only game he won. After a couple of losses as the starter Cousins was benched and was the third stringer the rest of the season. At the beginning of the season, Jay Gruden announced that Cousins would be the starter the whole season and it paid off. Kirk Cousins had a record breaking year as mentioned above and looks to be the Redskins franchise quarterback.
Jordan Reed
Reed only played in 11 games and didn’t score a single touchdown in 2014. This season he led the teams in receptions and touchdowns. He attracted double teams from opposing defenses and has become on of the best tight ends in the NFL.
Morgan Moses
Morgan Moses missed some of the 2014 season and 2015 offseason after his Lisfranc injury. He entered training camp working as the back up to Trent Williams, but a few days in the Redskins decided to try him as the right tackle and put Brandon Scherff inside at guard and it turned out to be a great move. Even though Moses didn’t play great all year he took a big step and showed a lot of improvement that can also be contributed to offensive line coach Bill Callahan. Morgan Moses look to be the Redskins right tackle of the future.
DeAngelo Hall
Hall missed most of the 2014 season after tearing his Achilles in the third game of the season, and then while recovering at home, Hall re-tore it and had to have surgery again. DeAngelo Hall started the year as the number two corner but switched to safety midway through the season. After switching to safety Hall struggled the first game or two but started to get comfortable with the position and started playing really well. Some experts even believe Hall will be a top safety next season because of his physicality and his cover skills from playing corner.
Dashon Goldson
Last year, Goldson was rated as the second worst safety in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. He had 81 tackles, one forced fumble, and one pass defended in the 2014 season with the Bucs. This year, however, Goldson was the captain of the defense and had 110 tackles (71 solo), one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, one interception, one touchdown, and three passes defended.
Result: TE Jordan Reed (30.4% Votes Received)
Free Agent of the Year
Nominees:
Dustin Hopkins
Hopkins signed with the team a one game into the season and has been a great pick up. Almost all of his kickoffs were touchbacks which is something the Redskins were lack. To add to that Hopkins went 25 out of 28 on his field goals and his three misses were from 40+ yards out.
Mason Foster
Foster was added in the middle season too, and started just as a special teamer. However, after starting linebacker Perry Riley Jr. went down with an injury Foster came in and energized the defense and made a big impact in the games he started. Mason Foster played in 13 games and started in five; in that span he had 37 tackles (25 solo), one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Will Blackmon
In 2014, Blackmon only played in eight games with the Jaguars and started in just four of them and was out of the NFL until the Redskins signed him following the week one loss to Miami. Blackmon played in all 15 games since signing and started in 10 of them. Blackmon had 49 total tackles (38 solo), one sack, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and eight passes defended.
Dustin Hopkins
Hopkins signed with the team a one game into the season and has been a great pick up. Almost all of his kickoffs were touchbacks which is something the Redskins were lack. To add to that Hopkins went 25 out of 28 on his field goals and his three misses were from 40+ yards out.
Mason Foster
Foster was added in the middle season too, and started just as a special teamer. However, after starting linebacker Perry Riley Jr. went down with an injury Foster came in and energized the defense and made a big impact in the games he started. Mason Foster played in 13 games and started in five; in that span he had 37 tackles (25 solo), one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Will Blackmon
In 2014, Blackmon only played in eight games with the Jaguars and started in just four of them and was out of the NFL until the Redskins signed him following the week one loss to Miami. Blackmon played in all 15 games since signing and started in 10 of them. Blackmon had 49 total tackles (38 solo), one sack, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and eight passes defended.
Result: Three Way Tie (Each Received 33.3% Votes)
Rookie of the Year
Nominees:
Matt Jones
Jones had an up and down year in 2015. He had a couple of big games, a couple of average, a couple of down games, and missed the last few games due to a hip injury. Matt Jones played in 13 games, had 113 rushing attempts, 490 yards, three touchdowns, but also lost five fumbles. He was used in the passing game some too, he was targeted 25 times with 19 receptions for 304 yards and one touchdown.
Brandon Scherff
The number five overall pick was moved to guard during training camp and played well all season. Scherff also played in every offensive snap except for one all season. He solidified a position that was weak the past few years for the Redskins and looks like he could be a future Pro Bowler.
Jamison Crowder
He started off the season as the back up to Andre Roberts but quickly took over the position and developed a chemistry with Kirk Cousins. Crowder had 59 receptions (on 79 targets), 604 yards, two touchdowns, but also fumbled twice. The former Duke star returned punts for the Redskins too. He had 30 punter return attempts and gained 158 yards off them.
Preston Smith
The second round pick, Preston Smith, led the rookies in sacks this season with eight sacks during the regular season (Vikings’ Danielle Hunter came in second with six sacks). He is also tied for second for the most sacks by a rookie in the last four seasons (Rams’ Aaron Donald leads with nine sacks). Smith had 35 tackles (24 solo), eight sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and four passes defended.
Quinton Dunbar
The former Florida wide receiver switched to corner back in training camp after multiple injuries to the secondary and it turned out to be a great decision. It was Dunbar’s first time ever playing corner and played a key role for the Redskins this season. Dunbar played in eleven games this season with two starts and had 13 tackles (11 solo), one interception, and five passes defended.
Kyshoen Jarrett
The former Hokie was a pleasant surprise for the Redskins this season. He played a key role for the defense, rotating between safety, slot corner, linebacker, and special teamer. The Redskins took a big hit after Jarrett was unable to dress for the playoff game, but the ‘Skins will look forward to having his presence in the secondary next season. Kyshoen Jarrett played in all 16 regular season games and started in six; he finished with 58 tackles (39 solo), one forced fumble, and four passes defended.
Matt Jones
Jones had an up and down year in 2015. He had a couple of big games, a couple of average, a couple of down games, and missed the last few games due to a hip injury. Matt Jones played in 13 games, had 113 rushing attempts, 490 yards, three touchdowns, but also lost five fumbles. He was used in the passing game some too, he was targeted 25 times with 19 receptions for 304 yards and one touchdown.
Brandon Scherff
The number five overall pick was moved to guard during training camp and played well all season. Scherff also played in every offensive snap except for one all season. He solidified a position that was weak the past few years for the Redskins and looks like he could be a future Pro Bowler.
Jamison Crowder
He started off the season as the back up to Andre Roberts but quickly took over the position and developed a chemistry with Kirk Cousins. Crowder had 59 receptions (on 79 targets), 604 yards, two touchdowns, but also fumbled twice. The former Duke star returned punts for the Redskins too. He had 30 punter return attempts and gained 158 yards off them.
Preston Smith
The second round pick, Preston Smith, led the rookies in sacks this season with eight sacks during the regular season (Vikings’ Danielle Hunter came in second with six sacks). He is also tied for second for the most sacks by a rookie in the last four seasons (Rams’ Aaron Donald leads with nine sacks). Smith had 35 tackles (24 solo), eight sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and four passes defended.
Quinton Dunbar
The former Florida wide receiver switched to corner back in training camp after multiple injuries to the secondary and it turned out to be a great decision. It was Dunbar’s first time ever playing corner and played a key role for the Redskins this season. Dunbar played in eleven games this season with two starts and had 13 tackles (11 solo), one interception, and five passes defended.
Kyshoen Jarrett
The former Hokie was a pleasant surprise for the Redskins this season. He played a key role for the defense, rotating between safety, slot corner, linebacker, and special teamer. The Redskins took a big hit after Jarrett was unable to dress for the playoff game, but the ‘Skins will look forward to having his presence in the secondary next season. Kyshoen Jarrett played in all 16 regular season games and started in six; he finished with 58 tackles (39 solo), one forced fumble, and four passes defended.
Result: OLB Preston Smith (50% Votes Received)