Kirk Cousins is a football quarterback who will play for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2024 season of the NFL. He attended Michigan State University and was drafted by the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) in 2012 as a backup to Robert Griffin III. After Griffin's injury in 2015, Cousins became the team’s starter until 2017. During his time with the Redskins, he set multiple team records and earned a spot in the 2017 Pro Bowl.
Cousins signed a three-year contract worth $84 million with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. He has been a consistent starter since then and led the team to playoff appearances in both 2019 and 2022. While praised for his accuracy and consistency on the field, Cousins has faced criticism for his lack of mobility and his decision-making sometimes.
During the 2022 season, Cousins achieved 4,547 passing yards alongside 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. While opinions about Cousins differ across the NFL community, there is no denying that he stands among one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
After the end of the 2023 season, the Vikings did not re-sign Cousins and as a result, he joined the Atlanta Falcons in May 2024. He has earned a 4-year, $180 million deal that should see him in Atlanta until 2028.
How many rings does Kirk Cousins have?
Kirk Cousins has not won a Super Bowl yet. He has made it to the playoffs three times in his career. In Week 17 of the 2022 season; he was recognized as the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Despite his efforts, the Minnesota Vikings lost to the New York Giants, in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
Kirk Cousins’ playoff performances
Kirk Cousins has made it to the playoffs on three occasions in his career. He has managed to secure only one playoff victory. His overall playoff record stands at 1-3.
In 2015, Cousins led the Redskins (now Commanders) to clinch the NFC East title. Cousins had his first taste of the playoffs in 2015 against the Green Bay Packers. He put up numbers with 270 passing yards and two touchdowns. However, his team ended up losing 35 to 18.
In 2019, Cousins led the Vikings to playoffs for the first time since his arrival in Minnesota. He managed to pass for 414 yards in two playoff games.
Fast forward to 2022, where Cousins guided the Vikings to secure another NFC North title and enjoyed a first-round bye. In the wild-card round, he delivered 230 yards passing and one touchdown. However, despite his effort, it wasn't enough to get the win. They were defeated by the New York Giants 31-23.
While Cousins has shown flashes of brilliance in playoff games he has also had his share of struggles. Inconsistency and costly mistakes have been factors that have hindered his success. If he wants to achieve Super Bowl glory he will need to elevate his performance in playoff appearances.
A few notable playoff performances of Cousins:
During the Wild Card round in 2015 against the Green Bay Packers, Cousins showcased his skills by throwing for 329 yards and scoring one touchdown. His lone playoff win came against New Orleans Saints back in January 2020 where he thre for 242 yards and a touchdown.
FAQs
A. Kirk Cousins's biggest weakness as a quarterback is his mobility. He is not very fast or agile, and he is not a threat to run the ball. He can also be prone to making bad decisions at times.
A. Kirk Cousins has just signed a new 4-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons that is worth a mammoth $180 million in March 2024.
A. Kirk Cousins is currently in his mid-thirties and he has shown that he can be a successful starter in the NFL. He is likely to remain a starter for at least a few more seasons with Atlanta Falcons.
A. Kirk Cousins has a career record of 76-67-2 as a starting quarterback in the NFL. He has led his team to the playoffs three times, in 2015, 2019 and 2022.
