ASHBURN, Va. -- The focus will be on Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins' next contract -- and subsequent improvement. Both matter. But if the Redskins look at the teams playing in Sunday’s championship games, they will see another common thread besides quarterback: defense.
Though it’s clear having a top quarterback gives you a better chance, it’s also evident that defense remains a focal point of any championship team. And that’s an area the Redskins absolutely must improve next season or it will be another year flirting with .500.
The four remaining defenses all rank in the top 10 in scoring defense, yards per play and yards per game -- and all are in the top 11 in yards per carry.