Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson discuss the Atlanta Falcons creating an unneeded quarterback controversy by drafting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in the same offseason. Unc & Ocho explain why Falcons fans will turn on Cousins quickly if he fails to deliver playoff success.
Draft Dynamics: The video opens with the discussion of the Atlanta Falcons’ surprising move in selecting Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, despite recently signing Kurt Cousins as their starting quarterback. This decision sparked widespread debate and speculation about the team’s quarterback situation.
Coach’s Assurance: Raheem Morris, the Falcons’ head coach, attempts to quell any rumors of quarterback controversy by reaffirming Cousins’ position as the starter. He emphasizes that Cousins won’t have to constantly worry about being benched for a bad pass, but there’s skepticism about how long this assurance will hold if Cousins struggles.
Fan Expectations: Despite Morris’ assurances, there’s a recognition that Falcons fans will have high expectations, especially considering the team’s investment in Cousins. If Cousins doesn’t perform up to par, there’s an anticipation that fans will demand to see Penix Jr. take the field, regardless of Morris’ statements.
Quarterback Comparison: The conversation shifts to comparing Cousins’ performance to other quarterbacks in the league, particularly Dak Prescott and Lamar Jackson. While Cousins is praised for his regular-season statistics, his lack of playoff success is highlighted as a point of contention, especially in contrast to players like Prescott and Jackson.
Contract Scrutiny: The discussion delves into the financial aspect of Cousins’ contract, questioning whether the investment aligns with his performance, particularly in postseason games. There’s skepticism about the value of the contract, especially considering the lack of playoff success.
Game Management: The video emphasizes the importance of quarterbacks being adept at game management, citing examples like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. While the term “game manager” is sometimes viewed negatively, it’s noted that successful quarterbacks understand when to take risks and when to play conservatively to secure wins.
Media and Fan Expectations: There’s criticism of the differing standards applied to quarterbacks when it comes to playoff success. The video suggests that quarterbacks like Prescott and Jackson face harsher scrutiny despite strong regular-season performances, while Cousins receives less criticism despite similar playoff struggles.
Playoff Performance: The importance of playoff success is emphasized, with the implication that Cousins’ legacy and value as a quarterback will be heavily influenced by his postseason performances. The video suggests that in order to justify his contract and solidify his reputation, Cousins needs to deliver in the playoffs.
Overall Expectations: The video concludes with the assertion that regardless of regular-season performance, quarterbacks like Cousins are ultimately judged by their ability to perform in high-stakes playoff games. The expectation is that Cousins must demonstrate the ability to lead his team to postseason success in order to justify his status as a top-tier quarterback.