Stephen A. Smith waiting for “somebody” to “figure out” Kirk Cousins’ obvious weakness
Kirk Cousins is celebrating the biggest offensive night of his career. However, after watching him dominate the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense to kick off Week 5, Stephen A. Smith is confident he knows how to beat Cousins.
Speaking on the October 4 edition of 'First Take', Smith claimed Cousins' 2023 injury could be his weakness in 2024. He's just waiting to see if anyone creates a strategy based on that.
"The brother's coming off the Achilles injury. He's got zero yards rushing this season. He's immobile. He cannot move. Do you think somewhere along the lines of an NFL season, somebody is gonna figure out maybe we gotta make him move a little bit?" he said. First Take [5:18]
Of course, at the core of Smith's argument is that he needs to be pressured. Every defense in the NFL is hoping to get pressure in every game they play. However, some prioritize it more than others.
Some defenses load the line of scrimmage with linebackers and defensive linemen at the cost of opening up the secondary. Other defenses rush four or three players and hope to get to the quarterback that way.
Smith's comments appear to be an invitation to defensive coordinators to blitz the quarterback more often. If he is going to get 500+ yards anyway, why not open up the secondary further to create more pressure?
Kirk Cousins joins exclusive 500-yard club in second consecutive primetime last-moment comeback
Kirk Cousins made fantasy managers very happy with his performance on Thursday, but he also etched his name into the history books. According to USA Today, Cousins joined a group of just 22 quarterbacks to have earned 500 yards in a game ever.
Of course, to get across the finish line, it took a fifth quarter in overtime, but 500 yards is 500 yards. Cousins also threw for four touchdowns, one interception and completed 42 of 58 passes.
Wide receiver Drake London blew up projections, earning 12 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown.
Darnell Mooney, formerly a member of the Chicago Bears, exploded for 105 yards and two touchdowns. One touchdown was perhaps the play of the game which saw him catch a touchdown in double coverage with defenders draped over him.
The Falcons offense has put itself on the map this week, will they be able to back that performance up in Week 6?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "First Take" and H/T Sportskeeda.