"You have to hear the noise"- Kirk Cousins on the life of an NFL QB
With both the Washington Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings, the biggest criticism aimed at the Kirk Cousins has been his lack of consistent, defining wins.
Talking to Pat McAfee on the Pat McAfee Show, Cousins explained what it has been like to live with that critique on a daily basis.
Here's what the quarterback had to say:
"I don't live in a box where I don't hear anything. But, you know, certainly winning is kind of the deal. I mean, you could be a pretty bad quarterback and if your team wins, you're the man and people who know who can kind of see through that and they watch the tape and they're like, I don't think they're winning because of the quarterback but good for him."
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According to Cousins, the main reason fans turn on the television and walk into stadiums is to watch their teams win. Cousins also pointed out that the pressure of delivering wins mainly lies on the quarterback's shoulders.
Here's how he put it in his words:
"You know that people are in [the quarterback's] corner. And I think the opposite can be true too. When you're the quarterback, you know, it doesn't really matter what you do or how you play if your team's not going to the playoffs, winning the division, playing the Super Bowl."
He went on to highlight how fans would quickly be back in his corner if he delivered victories:
"There's something wrong with you. And so you're always kind of working through that. Got to win. We got to find ways to win. I got to play better, you know, and you don't really expect people to be in your corner unless you're winning and winning consistently."
Cousins signed an extension and will be tasked with guiding the Vikings to the playoffs.
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Kirk Cousins' winning resume
Kirk Cousins is credited with replacing Robert Griffin III in Washington and following up Case Keenum's miraculous season in Minnesota.
Of course, analysts often talk about how he has great stats but struggles to win games.
Last season, the quarterback threw for 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions in arguably his best statistical season. However, according to Pro Football Reference, he went 8-8 as a starter last season.
Overall, the quarterback boasts a 223-91 touchdown-interception ratio in his career. With a ratio of more than 2:1, one would think he should be winning early and often.
Instead, he has a 59-59-2 record. At this point, despite having great stats, he is proving to be just a .500 quarterback. Will Cousins be able to overcome the narrative in 2022?