The Falcoholic
Cousins talked about playing hurt, being hurt, and being replaced.
It was spring 2024, and love was in the air, or so one had thought.
It turned out to be a $180 million sham.
If you hadn’t heard, Netflix’s series Quarterback returned for season two this week, and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins had a lot to share.
Cousins revealed that he felt “misled” by the team in free agency–during the non-tampering period, I’m sure–and he explained in further detail how he was indeed hurt for weeks during the 2024 season.
When it comes to being misled by the Falcons, I actually sympathize with Cousins, as the team has been doing that to a majority of the fans I know. However, Cousins was paid a pretty penny and given a generous leash by the team when his play began to flounder.
The infrastructure around the quarterback was also more than optimal. Skill positions were stacked with talent, and he had a presumed top-10 offensive line. It’s hard to say the team didn’t do right by him. We all want long-term job security, but Cousins should know that when you’re 35+ in this league, you’re not a long-term answer.
The Falcons brass did what they felt was best for the team, as that’s their job. It would have been helpful if that attitude had been consistent throughout the season.
Kirk Cousins didn’t do anything wrong when it comes to how he managed his injury. Players always play hurt and have no responsibility to mess up their checks or sit themselves out. Would you give up your dream job knowing that someone highly capable is waiting for the opportunity to take it from you?
It is not his job to decide when he should and should not play. Other people are paid to do that, and to me, the story of the season is that it took too long for that decision to be made—the atrocious defense did not help.
The Los Angeles Chargers performance, which felt like a hydrogen bomb, took place 21 days after the injury. The message from head coach Raheem Morris was that they would ride out the rough patch with Cousins, given his early-season success, and the results speak for themselves.
The lack of direction and conviction in how the team chose to operate during this saga was frustrating. If the Falcons had been operating with the same mindset as they were on draft night, I don’t believe they would have let the Cousins situation get out of hand. Unfortunately, they catered to an individual over the team.
Cousins is the backup now, regardless, and he and the team appear ready to move forward and work toward a common goal in 2025. That’s all that matters at this point.
