Early on this Friday morning, I can’t help but stew in the undeniable fact that Kirk Cousins is a VERY GOOD NFL Quarterback. Now I can’t help it if I lost a few readers after that statement, but it’s time that we all grow up and take a long serious look in the mirror. Sure, it’s fun to poke fun at Kirk as his goofy and whiter than rice personality makes it super easy. Yes, he may be one of the most memeable QBs to ever play the game, but don’t let that distract you from the statistics. Here are a few nuggest to chew on..
Kirk is 22nd all time in passing yards with just about 45,000, a figure which will probably see him in the top 10 when his tenure is over. He is 18th all time in passing touchdowns with 278. Again, a number that will probably be top 10 before he retires. (provided he keeps his current 17 game average of 30). This statistic sees him behind only Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford, and Russell Wilson for active QBs; pretty good company. Lastly, as far as raw statistics are concerned, I will finish with passer rating. A number that puts Kirk 9th all time with a 98 flat rating. So in three, to however many more years Kirk plays, he will cement himself in the top 10 for passing yards, touchdowns, and rating. “Oh but he never wins!” well, his winning percentage isn’t that far off from first ballot hall of famer Drew Brees. (.52 to .59) “Oh but he’s not clutch!” well, he’s tied 21st all time with 24 fourth quarter comebacks, there are Hall of Famers with 15 or less, and Patty Mahomes has 15 in his 7th year as a starter. (Most all time is Tommy Terrific with 46) I know 4th quarter comebacks isn’t the best way to measure clutch but work with me here, I’m doing my best.
So where does this leave us now? Statistically speaking, as former mentioned tid-bits point out, Kirk is and will be an upper echelon QB historically. “But what about the intangibles man?” This is harder to measure but easier to argue in my opinion. As far as his ability to play the position of Quarterback, Kirk IS at the top of his game. Pocket scientists DO NOT exist anymore. Patrick Mahomes is not a pocket scientist. Lamar Jackson is not even close to a pocket scientist. Both quarterbacks deserve lots of praise for breaking the positional mold in there own right, (Mahomes is by no means bad in the pocket, that just isn’t where his shining point is) but neither of them are traditional pocket scientists. There are very few in the league currently who are, and Kirk is one of them. This man all throughout his prime lives like a potted plant in the pocket and takes death blows from defenders. This is by no means a bad thing, keeping his eyes down field, channeling 100% of his energy towards his decision / throw leads to a scary accurate, good decision, most of the time. The Kirk Cousins offense allows him to journey through his progressions, and deliver a pass into a tight window. With far less natural ability than a Mahomes or Jackson, if given enough time, this form of Quarterback play is highly effective, and historically is what wins championships. (the mold is breaking however) Anticipation is another aspect where Kirk shines. Having the ability to throw guys open and throw the ball with advanced anticipation is something that separates good from great quarterbacks. Writing this after last nights Thursday Night Football win over the Falcons, Kirk put on a clinic with regards to those two factors.
I don’t think there is an argument for the contrary here. Kirk is not a bad Quarterback. Statistically and visibly he is good. I guess the only room for debate, is how good? Well, I tend to land on the fact that he is somewhere between good and great. Great being a tier behind elite, where the Brady’s and the Manning’s of the world live. (the plural on Manning is not meant to include Eli) Maybe Kirk deserves his own category? Actually, now that I think of it, Kirk kind of reminds me of Eli. Eli of course has the two rings, which is highly unlikely for Kirk to get before he’s finished. But the two are pretty similar statistically. Similar winning percentages, and when it’s all said and done, they will end up having pretty similar touchdowns and yards too. Lastly, both quarterbacks have the ability to elevate to God tier, then leave you scratching your head a game later.
So what’s the conclusion here? I’m not sure honestly but Kirk Cousins is NOT A BAD QB. He is a GOOD QB and sometimes he is a GREAT QB; kind of like Eli Manning. So the next time someone asks you what you think of Kirk Cousins, say exactly that.
– Tyler S @twoandahalfvirgins