Overreaction: Kirk Cousins cost himself big bucks
Kirk Cousins cost himself millions with his final interception.
The Redskins weren't willing to give Cousins a multiyear deal last offseason after he led them to an NFC East title. Surely, they won't do it now after he threw two second-half picks in a loss to the Giants that ended Washington's season.
Cousins made nearly $20 million in 2016 under the franchise tag and the Redskins could tag him again, for about $24 million. Or, they could let him walk as a free agent.
The only certainty is this: That interception in the final 90 seconds of Sunday's game will haunt Cousins at the negotiating table.
That's the public perception. Reality says otherwise.
Cousins threw for 4,917 yards, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Brock Osweiler got $72 million ($37 million guaranteed) for doing far less in fewer games last year.
Cousins will do just fine if the Redskins don't want him, because several teams need a proven QB. If the Redskins only want to franchise him, $24 million isn't chump change.
Here are other overreactions from Week 17:
OVERREACTION: Tony Romo is back to his old form.
REALISTIC REACTION: He threw four passes, took no hits. Let's see him get up after his first sack before jumping to any conclusions.
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OVERREACTION: The Raiders-Texans wild-card game will be the worst of the weekend.
REALISTIC REACTION: It should be closer than Dolphins-Steelers or Lions-Seahawks. Those have blowout potential.
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OVERREACTION: The Packers are ready to duplicate 2010, win three playoff games and the Super Bowl.
REALISTIC REACTION: Eli Manning already has two playoff wins at Lambeau Field, so getting past the Giants will be difficult enough.
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OVERREACTION: Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the Patriots have clear sailing to the Super Bowl.
REALISTIC REACTION: The Steelers and Chiefs are no pushovers.
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OVERREACTION: Chip Kelly will never coach in the NFL again.
REALISTIC REACTION: His system doesn't work and he's been fired twice in two years, but a team looking to generate fan interest could give him another chance.
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OVERREACTION: The Cowboys are the most likely playoff team with a first-round bye to go one-and-done because they're the Cowboys and they haven't won a Super Bowl in 20 years.
REALISTIC REACTION: Did you watch them play? Best team in the NFC for a reason.
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OVERREACTION: The Falcons are the team nobody wants to play in the playoffs.
REALISTIC REACTION: Matt Ryan is 1-4 in the playoffs.
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