The Atlanta Falcons have a new franchise quarterback.
Hopefully for them, he’ll finally be able to fill in for Matt Ryan, at least for a couple of years, as they haven’t found success at the position since he left.
It goes without saying that Kirk Cousins is a significant upgrade over Taylor Heinicke, Marcus Mariota, and Desmond Ridder.
Then again, he also comes with plenty of baggage and well-documented struggles in the postseason, in primetime games, and against winning teams.
That’s why ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith wants people to put the brakes on the Falcons a little.
“He’s got less playoff victories than Dak Prescott. … Can we calm down?” Smith said.
.@stephenasmith wants everyone to dial it back on Kirk Cousins to ATL 👀
"He's got less playoff victories than Dak Prescott. … Can we calm down?" pic.twitter.com/5LBznIiOhl
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 12, 2024
Talking on First Take, Stephen A. Smith pointed out the fact that Cousins has a 1-4 record in the playoffs, adding that even Dak Prescott has won more postseason games than him.
While he admitted that he’s an upgrade for them and that he’s no scrub, he believes people shouldn’t jump to conclusions or deem the Falcons a contender because he has yet to prove that he can win when it actually counts.
Smith said that Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson should be happy about this signing, but it’s not like he hasn’t had his fair share of stellar teammates, such as Dalvin Cook, Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, and Justin Jefferson, and not much postseason success to show for that.
Cousins will likely surpass $400 million in career earnings; that’s a lot for a 1-4 record and five touchdown passes in the playoffs.
Will he finally get over the hump? We shall see.
NEXT: Dan Orlovsky Says NFC South Team Is A Contender After Recent Deal