It was spring 2024, and romance seemed to be everywhere, or so it was believed.
It ended up being a $180 million fraud.
In case you missed it, this week marked the return of Netflix’s series Quarterback for its second season, featuring Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, who had plenty to express. Cousins disclosed that he felt “deceived” by the team during free agency likely in the non-tampering period and elaborated further on how he was truly injured for weeks in the 2024 season.
Regarding being deceived by the Falcons, I genuinely feel for Cousins, since the team has been misleading most of the fans I am acquainted with. Nevertheless, Cousins received a sizable salary and was afforded considerable leeway by the team when his performance started to decline.
The support surrounding the quarterback was likewise more than adequate. The skill positions were filled with talent, and he was expected to have a top-10 offensive line. It’s tough to claim that the team didn’t treat him well. Everyone desires lasting job security, but Cousins ought to recognize that at 35 or older in this league, you’re not a long-term solution.
The Falcons leadership acted in what they believed was the team’s best interest, as that is their responsibility. It would have been beneficial if that mindset had remained steady during the season.
Kirk Cousins handled his injury appropriately and did nothing wrong. Athletes frequently compete while injured and bear no obligation to affect their earnings or take themselves out of the game. Would you abandon your dream job knowing that a highly qualified person is eager to seize the chance to take it from you?
It is not his role to determine when he ought to play or when he shouldn’t. Other individuals are compensated for that, and for me, the season’s narrative is that the decision took too long to arrive at—the terrible defense did not assist.
The performance of the Los Angeles Chargers, resembling a hydrogen bomb, occurred 21 days after the injury. Head coach Raheem Morris conveyed that they would stick with Cousins during the tough stretch, considering his early-season achievements, and the outcomes are evident.
The absence of clarity and determination in the team’s approach throughout this saga was aggravating. Had the Falcons maintained the same approach they had during the draft, I doubt they would have allowed the Cousins situation to escalate. Regrettably, they prioritized one person instead of the group.
Cousins is now the backup, and both he and the team seem prepared to progress and strive toward a shared objective in 2025. That is all that is important at this moment.
