NFL analyst claims Kirk Cousins’ spirit was broken by Bo Nix
Kirk Cousins walked into the season surrounded by questions about whether the Minnesota Vikings were smart in getting ahead of a potential decline. Initially, Cousins proved those doubters wrong, helping the Falcons jump out to a 6-3 start. However, just as he was getting in range to be a force in the NFC, he hit a wall.
Analysts once again find themselves questioning why he is struggling. One NFL analyst delivered what could be a sobering reality check. Speaking on "Pro Football Talk," Mike Florio partly blamed the loss against the New Orleans Saints for setting the nail, but credited Bo Nix's performance for hammering it in.
"It started with that loss to the Saints which they should have won," Florio said (00:00:02:59). They outplayed the Saints and should have won that game. Blown out off the field going into the bye against the Broncos. Did that just break them?"
"Did they think 'You know what? All we really can do here is win this division. And who cares? We're going to go get embarrassed by somebody in the playoffs.' And I know that they don't entertain those thoughts consciously. This is the stuff that can kind of creep in subconsciously," he added. [00:03:53][29.7] PFT
On November 17, Nix's Denver Broncos defeated Kirk Cousins' Falcons 38-6, one game before falling to the Los Angeles Chargers 17-13, with Cousins throwing four interceptions.
Kirk Cousins throws four interceptions in a game for first time in more than ten years
Before Sunday, the Falcons quarterback had given fans their best Matt Ryan impression since losing him to the Indianapolis Colts. However, he also has now given them a taste of something a Kirk Cousins fanbase hasn't had since 2014: a four-interception performance.
Cousins' four interceptions were the most thrown by the quarterback since September 25, 2024, against the New York Giants. Back then, he was hoping to break into conversation as a long-term starter in the NFL. Now, he finds himself holding on as the grizzled veteran hoping to hold off the young Michael Penix Jr.
Put simply, it's hard to argue he did himself any favors in that regard on Sunday. Will Cousins give the Falcons a sudden reason to take an extended look at the rookie?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk," and H/T Sportskeeda.