Former Redskins QB Cousins Reflects on Time in Washington

Cousins shares favorite memories, regrets, and an interesting Sean McVay theory from his Washington days

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In a podcast interview, former Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins looked back on his time with the team, recalling favorite games and moments, as well as his regrets. Cousins also shared an interesting theory about how his final loss to the Giants in 2016 may have impacted Sean McVay's path to becoming the Rams' head coach.

Why it matters

Cousins' reflections provide insight into his tenure with the Redskins, including the highs and lows he experienced. His comments about McVay also offer a unique perspective on how one game can have far-reaching implications in the NFL coaching carousel.

The details

Cousins discussed several memorable games from his time in Washington, including a comeback win over the Buccaneers in 2015 where he famously yelled "You like that!" after the victory. He also highlighted big wins over the Eagles and Packers that year. However, Cousins admitted his biggest regret was the season-ending loss to the Giants in 2016 that kept the Redskins out of the playoffs. He took responsibility for an ill-timed interception in that game. Regarding his contract negotiations with the team, Cousins said he understood their hesitation to commit long-term after the 2015 season, and he thought the Redskins' offer in 2017 was legitimate. Interestingly, Cousins believes that if the Redskins had made the playoffs in 2016, the Rams may not have waited to hire the then-31-year-old Sean McVay as their head coach.

  • In the 2015 season, the Redskins were 2-4 when they faced the Buccaneers in a 'code red' game.
  • In December 2015, the Redskins clinched the NFC East with a road win over the Eagles.
  • In 2016, the Redskins failed to make the playoffs after losing to the Giants in the season finale.
  • In 2017, the Redskins made a legitimate contract offer to Cousins later in the year.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A former quarterback for the Washington Redskins who is now a free agent.

Jay Gruden

The former head coach of the Washington Redskins during Cousins' tenure with the team.

Sean McVay

The current head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Redskins when Cousins was the quarterback.

Robert Griffin III

A former quarterback for the Washington Redskins who was brought in to be a pocket passer under Gruden's coaching.

Josh Doctson

A wide receiver who played for the Redskins during Cousins' time with the team.

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What they’re saying

“I remember fumbling to go down 24-0; they took it in for a touchdown. I was pulling grass from my face mask, walking back to the sideline, getting booed by the home fans, which were deserved boos.”

— Kirk Cousins, Former Redskins Quarterback (Kevin Sheehan Show)

“You like that! You like that!”

— Kirk Cousins (Kevin Sheehan Show)

“I regret losing that game; I gave Sean the chance to go interview in LA, and the rest is history.”

— Kirk Cousins, Former Redskins Quarterback (Kevin Sheehan Show)

What’s next

Cousins expects to be released by the Falcons and hopes to play again during the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Cousins' reflections on his time with the Redskins provide a unique player's perspective on the highs and lows of his tenure, as well as an intriguing theory about how one game may have impacted the trajectory of Sean McVay's coaching career.