Should Netflix's 'Quarterback' change narrative about Cousins?

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Should Netflix's 'Quarterback' change narrative about Vikings' Kirk Cousins?

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jul 17, 2023 4:33 PM ET

Kirk Cousins skeptics should give the Vikings QB more respect after viewing Netflix's "Quarterback."

The eight-episode series produced by Peyton Manning's Omaha Productions chronicles the lives of three QBs: league MVP Patrick Mahomes, Marcus Mariota and Cousins. Cousins' story arc stands out because it illustrates how he faces an avalanche of criticism and his desire to prove doubters wrong.

"I love this quote by [former British Prime Minister] Margaret Thatcher that says, 'If my critics saw me walking on water, they would say it's because I can't swim,'" Cousins said in the first episode of the series.

The series highlights his toughness, too. The third episode reveals Cousins dealt with bruised ribs in games against Washington and Buffalo.

"I'm pretty beat up," Cousins said. "The bruises on my ribs are not visible, but they may come to the surface at some point. When you have pain right here in your midsection, it's hard to think about much else."

Cousins was sacked 46 times last season — the third-most in the NFL. Nonetheless, the physical toll didn't affect his play. In 17 games, he tied for the fifth-most passing TDs in the league (29), made his fourth Pro Bowl and went 13-4 as a starter.

Critics may point to Cousins' 1-3 record in the playoffs in 11 seasons with Washington and Minnesota. While this is a fair point, Cousins has played with three different HCs and seven OCs, contributing to his lack of success.

So Cousins deserves more credit since he's managed to succeed despite playing with immense pain and some organizational dysfunction throughout his career.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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