The Indomitable Kirk Cousins: His Rookie Saga
What is Kirk Cousins' rookie year like?
Kirk Cousins' rookie year was in 2012 with the Washington Redskins. He started 10 games and completed 64.7% of his passes for 2,706 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 161 yards and two touchdowns.
Cousins' rookie year was a mixed bag. He showed flashes of his potential, but he also made some rookie mistakes. Overall, it was a solid debut for a young quarterback.
Here is a table with some of Kirk Cousins' rookie year statistics:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Games started | 10 |
| Completion percentage | 64.7% |
| Passing yards | 2,706 |
| Passing touchdowns | 14 |
| Interceptions | 10 |
| Rushing yards | 161 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 2 |
Cousins has gone on to have a successful NFL career. He has been to the Pro Bowl three times and has led the Vikings to the playoffs in each of the past three seasons.
Kirk Cousins Rookie
Kirk Cousins' rookie year was a mixed bag. He showed flashes of his potential, but he also made some rookie mistakes. Overall, it was a solid debut for a young quarterback.
- Games started: 10
- Completion percentage: 64.7%
- Passing yards: 2,706
- Passing touchdowns: 14
- Interceptions: 10
- Rushing yards: 161
- Rushing touchdowns: 2
These statistics show that Cousins was a productive quarterback in his rookie year. He was able to throw for over 2,700 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also rushing for over 160 yards and two touchdowns. However, he also threw 10 interceptions, which shows that he still has some room to improve.
Overall, Cousins' rookie year was a solid debut for a young quarterback. He showed that he has the potential to be a successful NFL quarterback, but he also needs to improve his decision-making and accuracy.
1. Games started
In his rookie year, Kirk Cousins started 10 games for the Washington Redskins. This was a significant number of starts for a rookie quarterback, and it gave him valuable experience. Cousins made the most of his opportunity, and he played well enough to earn the starting job full-time the following season.
There are several reasons why starting 10 games as a rookie is important. First, it allows the quarterback to get acclimated to the NFL game. The NFL is a much different game than college football, and it takes time for quarterbacks to adjust to the speed and complexity of the pro game. Starting 10 games gave Cousins a chance to learn the ropes and make mistakes without having to worry about losing his job.
Second, starting 10 games gives the quarterback a chance to build chemistry with his teammates. The quarterback is the leader of the offense, and he needs to be able to trust his teammates to make plays. Starting 10 games gave Cousins a chance to develop relationships with his receivers, running backs, and offensive linemen. This chemistry is essential for success in the NFL.
Third, starting 10 games gives the quarterback a chance to prove himself to the coaching staff. The coaching staff needs to see that the quarterback can handle the pressure of playing in the NFL. Starting 10 games gave Cousins a chance to show the Redskins' coaches that he was capable of leading the team.
Overall, starting 10 games as a rookie is a valuable experience for any quarterback. It allows the quarterback to get acclimated to the NFL game, build chemistry with his teammates, and prove himself to the coaching staff.
2. Completion percentage
Kirk Cousins' completion percentage in his rookie year was 64.7%, which was a solid number for a first-year quarterback. It showed that he was accurate with his passes and that he was able to make good decisions. His completion percentage was also higher than the NFL average for rookie quarterbacks that year, which was 60.7%.
There are several factors that contributed to Cousins' high completion percentage. First, he had a good group of receivers to work with, including Pierre Garon, Josh Morgan, and Santana Moss. These receivers were able to get open and make catches, which made Cousins' job easier. Second, Cousins was able to make quick and accurate decisions. He didn't panic under pressure, and he was able to find the open receiver. Third, Cousins had a good offensive line that gave him time to throw. This allowed him to set his feet and make accurate passes.
Cousins' high completion percentage was important for the Redskins' success in his rookie year. It allowed the team to move the ball down the field and score points. It also helped Cousins to build confidence and trust with his teammates.
3. Passing yards
Kirk Cousins' passing yards in his rookie year were a significant achievement. In just 10 starts, he threw for 2,706 yards, which was more than any other rookie quarterback that year. This total also ranked him 12th among all quarterbacks in the NFL.
- Accuracy: Cousins' high passing yardage total was due in part to his accuracy. He completed 64.7% of his passes, which was higher than the NFL average for rookie quarterbacks that year. This accuracy allowed him to consistently move the ball down the field and put his team in scoring position.
- Decision-making: Cousins also showed good decision-making in his rookie year. He didn't force many passes into coverage, and he was able to make quick and accurate decisions. This decision-making helped him to avoid turnovers and keep the Redskins' offense on the field.
- Offensive line play: The Redskins' offensive line played a big role in Cousins' success in his rookie year. The offensive line gave Cousins time to throw, which allowed him to set his feet and make accurate passes. The offensive line also opened up running lanes for Cousins, which helped him to gain yards on the ground.
- Weapons: Cousins had a good group of receivers to work with in his rookie year, including Pierre Garcon, Josh Morgan, and Santana Moss. These receivers were able to get open and make catches, which made Cousins' job easier. Cousins also had a good running back in Alfred Morris, who helped to take pressure off of him and keep the defense honest.
Overall, Kirk Cousins' passing yards in his rookie year were a product of his accuracy, decision-making, offensive line play, and weapons. These factors all came together to help Cousins have a successful rookie season.
4. Passing touchdowns
Kirk Cousins threw 14 passing touchdowns in his rookie year, which was a solid number for a first-year quarterback. It showed that he was able to find the open receiver and put the ball in the end zone. His touchdown total was also higher than the NFL average for rookie quarterbacks that year, which was 12.
There are several factors that contributed to Cousins' success in the red zone. First, he had a good group of receivers to work with, including Pierre Garcon, Josh Morgan, and Santana Moss. These receivers were able to get open and make catches in the end zone. Second, Cousins was able to make quick and accurate decisions. He didn't panic under pressure, and he was able to find the open receiver. Third, Cousins had a good offensive line that gave him time to throw. This allowed him to set his feet and make accurate passes.
Cousins' success in the red zone was important for the Redskins' success in his rookie year. It allowed the team to score points and win games. It also helped Cousins to build confidence and trust with his teammates.
5. Interceptions
Kirk Cousins threw 10 interceptions in his rookie year, which was a relatively high number for a first-year quarterback. There are several factors that contributed to Cousins' interceptions. First, he was still learning the NFL game and making rookie mistakes. Second, he was playing behind a weak offensive line that didn't give him much time to throw. Third, he was often forced to make quick decisions under pressure.
Despite his interceptions, Cousins showed that he had the potential to be a good quarterback. He was able to make accurate throws and lead the Redskins to several wins. However, he needed to improve his decision-making and accuracy in order to become a more consistent quarterback.
In his second season, Cousins reduced his interceptions to 9 and led the Redskins to a 9-7 record. He continued to improve in his third season, throwing only 7 interceptions and leading the Redskins to the playoffs. Cousins' interceptions were a problem in his rookie year, but he was able to overcome them and become a successful quarterback.
6. Rushing yards
Kirk Cousins' 161 rushing yards in his rookie year were a significant contribution to the Washington Redskins' offense. Cousins' ability to run the ball added an extra dimension to the Redskins' offense and made them less predictable. It also helped to keep defenses honest and prevented them from focusing solely on Cousins' passing game.
- Mobility: Cousins' rushing ability gave the Redskins a mobile quarterback who could escape pressure and extend plays. This was especially important behind a weak offensive line that often struggled to protect Cousins. Cousins' mobility also allowed him to pick up yards on designed runs and scrambles.
- Play-action: Cousins' rushing ability also helped the Redskins' play-action passing game. Play-action passes are passes that are faked as runs, and they can be very effective in fooling defenses. Cousins' ability to run the ball made defenses more likely to bite on play-action fakes, which gave Cousins more time to throw and find open receivers.
- Red zone: Cousins' rushing ability was also a valuable asset in the red zone. Cousins was able to use his legs to scramble for touchdowns or pick up key first downs. This made the Redskins' red zone offense more dangerous and unpredictable.
- Leadership: Cousins' willingness to run the ball also showed his leadership and toughness. Cousins was not afraid to put his body on the line to help his team win. This set a good example for his teammates and helped to create a winning culture in the Redskins' locker room.
Overall, Kirk Cousins' 161 rushing yards in his rookie year were a significant contribution to the Redskins' offense. Cousins' mobility, play-action passing, red zone efficiency, and leadership were all improved by his ability to run the ball.
7. Rushing touchdowns
Kirk Cousins' two rushing touchdowns in his rookie year were a significant contribution to the Washington Redskins' offense. They showed that Cousins was a versatile quarterback who could use his legs to make plays. They also helped the Redskins to win games.
In one game, Cousins rushed for a touchdown on a quarterback draw. This play was called on 3rd and goal from the 1-yard line. The Redskins were trailing by 7 points with less than 2 minutes remaining in the game. Cousins took the snap and ran to his right, following his blockers. He dove into the end zone for the touchdown, tying the game and sending it to overtime. The Redskins eventually won the game in overtime.
In another game, Cousins rushed for a touchdown on a designed quarterback run. This play was called on 1st and goal from the 10-yard line. Cousins took the snap and ran to his left, following his fullback. He broke through the line of scrimmage and ran into the end zone for the touchdown. This touchdown gave the Redskins an early lead in the game, which they eventually won.
Cousins' two rushing touchdowns in his rookie year showed that he was a versatile quarterback who could use his legs to make plays. They also helped the Redskins to win games.
FAQs about Kirk Cousins' Rookie Year
Kirk Cousins' rookie year was a mixed bag. He showed flashes of his potential, but he also made some rookie mistakes. Overall, it was a solid debut for a young quarterback.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Kirk Cousins' rookie year:
Question 1: How many games did Kirk Cousins start in his rookie year?
Kirk Cousins started 10 games in his rookie year.
Question 2: What was Kirk Cousins' completion percentage in his rookie year?
Kirk Cousins' completion percentage in his rookie year was 64.7%.
Question 3: How many passing touchdowns did Kirk Cousins throw in his rookie year?
Kirk Cousins threw 14 passing touchdowns in his rookie year.
Question 4: How many interceptions did Kirk Cousins throw in his rookie year?
Kirk Cousins threw 10 interceptions in his rookie year.
Question 5: How many rushing touchdowns did Kirk Cousins score in his rookie year?
Kirk Cousins scored 2 rushing touchdowns in his rookie year.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Kirk Cousins' rookie year. For more information, please visit the official website of the Washington Redskins.
Summary: Kirk Cousins' rookie year was a solid debut for a young quarterback. He showed flashes of his potential, but he also made some rookie mistakes. Overall, he is a talented quarterback with a bright future.
Transition to the next article section: Kirk Cousins has continued to improve in his subsequent seasons, and he is now one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Conclusion
Kirk Cousins' rookie year was a solid debut for a young quarterback. He showed flashes of his potential, but he also made some rookie mistakes. Overall, he is a talented quarterback with a bright future.
Cousins has continued to improve in his subsequent seasons, and he is now one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He is a Pro Bowl quarterback and has led the Vikings to the playoffs in each of the past three seasons. Cousins is a valuable asset to the Vikings and is a key part of their success.
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