Fansided

NFL power rankings: Starting quarterbacks from best to worst

By John Buhler

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) warms up prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) warms up prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
13

Kirk Cousins

Quarterback, Washington Redskins

Well, what do you know? We’ve got Washington Redskins should-be franchise quarterback Kirk Cousins at No. 13. When given the opportunity to start in dysfunctional Washington, he’s made them respectable and not a total grease fire.

Cousins had the Redskins competing for NFC playoff berths the last two years. While Washington came up short in 2016, it’s not solely on their starting quarterback. He actually made his first trip to the Pro Bowl. The burden he is carrying in Washington cannot be overlooked.

Yes, he has benefited from playing in Jay Gruden’s offensive system, but doesn’t that go both ways? With Cousins under center, Washington is a top-half team in the NFC annually. Cousins is insanely accurate and his will to win has made him a great player.

In 2016, Cousins went 8-7-1 as the Redskins starter, completing 67.0 percent of his passes for 4,917 yards, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He throws the ball down the field and rarely has bad back-to-back games since assuming the starting role in Washington.

There is an authenticity about him that seems to galvanize teammates to be better. This intrinsic leadership quality of his was obvious when starred at Michigan State. It has certainly manifested itself in Washington. Washington may get in its own way of a Super Bowl run, but Cousins is without question the best thing to happen to this franchise in a decade.

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