Kirk Cousins on Falcons taking Michael Penix Jr.: The focus is on winning games! | SportsCenter

Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins joins the SportsCenter NFL Schedule Release to react to ATL's schedule and his team drafting another QB with the No. 8 pick in the draft.
✔️Subscribe to ESPN+ espnplus.com/youtube
✔️ Get the ESPN App: www.espn.com/espn/apps/espn
✔️Subscribe to ESPN on KZbin: es.pn/SUBSCRIBEtoKZbin
✔️ Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoNBAonESPN
✔️ Watch ESPN on KZbin TV: es.pn/KZbinTV

[@maya_coqsalonga]

One thing is for sure but Kirk is going to be a great NFL analyst when he retires. Knowledgeable and well spoken.

[@SportsBossMan]

Good point. He'd be perfect in that role.

[@matchpoint14]

good observation

[@rice_frying_shrimp]

How can anyone not like this guy?

[@giffondhall9214]

Easy

[@Just_A_Name14]

Bc he’s closet hating chump. Dudes literally 2 faced and a prime example of a HOA CHAD

[@WackoMac]

1 playoff win.......

[@Paula-mv8im]

@@WackoMac Yeah....like football is tennis or something. smh

[@Bolverine]

After watching that Netflix QB show, i have a new respect for this man. Kirk a good dude.

[@ladell149]

Kirk ready to ball I like him he's very professional.

[@locphan5761]

I’m a Vikings fan. I’ve always like Kirk as a player and off the field. Hope he will succeed as a Falcons and take you guys to the playoffs!

[@SportsBossMan]

I love your attitude! Rooting for a great guy like Kirk even though he left your team. I know it hurts too, as I, as a Patriots fan, had to deal with Tom Brady leaving.

[@cchrisstiaann]

Kirk Cousins is an absolute gem. Guys like him are hard to come by. A gentleman, a sincere genuine person and an absolute competitor. Despite his 1 playoff win, he deserves a lot more.

[@SportsBossMan]

People like to be simplistic and demean Cousins for only 1 playoff win. But let me tell you, give him a good defense and he will show he is FULLY capable of winning a Super Bowl.

[@DoTheAstralPlane]

Cousins seems annoyed with the Penix questions. tbh the media is probably the worst part of the Penix pick for him.

[@user-om9bj4rc1g]

Well he can deal with a few hard questions cupcake, let's not act like he isn't 36 coming off an Achilles tear with questionable play his last 2 seasons

[@thehappycamper2908]

@@user-om9bj4rc1g questionable play? Kirk is a top 10 qb no question who was lighting it up before his injury last year. The injury part of your comment makes sense but you lost me at questionable play.

[@rice_frying_shrimp]

Penix himself said it best "let's focus on what's happening on field and winning games". even the rookie is pretty pissed at the constant pestering. neither of them made the decision, they are both doing their best to deal with the situation they were handed and are acting maturely. why can't the media respect that?

[@popjibbletz]

If Atlanta didn't make such a stupid decision people would not ask about it. It is their fault

[@gregorynkanzamazekele4402]

​@@thehappycamper2908 top 10 QB being 36 with no post season resume. He is overrated

[@Rubberglass]

Kirko gonna ball 🏈

[@Fam1stCEO]

He should 😂😂 easiest schedule in the league 😭

[@hueyang5943]

Let the gold chainz begin down there.👍

[@jasontye3307]

Kirk's my boy, he is officially my favorite player. I will be buying a Falcons jersey for the first time in 20 years and that jersey is #18 Cousins. Let's go Falcons!!!

[@shighmoney9326]

That jersey will Be in the trash By the End of the season. Jp. GoodLuck doe

[@Squidtle]

@@shighmoney9326 Nope

[@talcat8031]

I hope he does well with the falcons, they will be me second team this year. Kirks my favorite player coming from an MSU grad and a lifelong Viking fan; he’s easy to root for.

[@darenduarte9046]

I already bought a jersey! Bought Gold chains and glasses to go with it. Kirko Cain's baby! I'll be there when Kansas City comes into town.

[@williamamey6871]

We going 12-5 man let’s get it been ready

[@popjibbletz]

Maybe if you picked a playmaker instead of Penix but no you are not

[@r3tr0actiongamer24]

Falcons would be lucky to win 10 games

[@prestigeworldwide7914]

@Gman333glondon is the only good receiver

[@P8RIOT_1012]

17-0

[@Haddonfield63]

@Gman333gthank you

[@aallen6408]

As a Falcons fan, I not only know pain, I knew when they drafted Penix that I didn't have to worry about Kirk Cousins. He's the consummate professional, and will bring it until someone can beat him out. Rise up, motherfuckers!

[@Haddonfield63]

Rise Up!!!! 🔥🔥 #inBrotherhood

[@michaelk8710]

Well put... Key words, "beat him out"... Unless he can't walk, Kirk will always make Penix look worse, the dude still gets better every year.

[@SportsBossMan]

I don't care if the Falcons had drafted Celeb Williams. It's gonna take a whole career to bring what Cousins brings to the table right now!

[@JJHcars]

4:25 Michael Penix Jr Question

[@Daniele49]

Thanks😂

[@JJHcars]

​@@Daniele49😂 Welcome

[@witbio]

Kirko BANG!! let's get it! #DirtyBirds

[@texansforever6782]

Kirko Rangs will be the comeback player of the year,

[@PGKING911]

By far, he has the best agent in the history of sports😂

[@kevoncox]

Not really People are silly. 2016, was the start of the league paying QB ridiculous contracts. Only him and Wilson have been in the league long enough and has been consistent enough to warrant a new contracts. The new guys like Mahomes, Lamar, and others will shatter these numbers if they can perform for 10 plus years.

[@PGKING911]

@@kevoncox every QB you named has won at least 2 playoff games 🤣🤣

[@SirGenesis206]

Don’t worry. 95% of us agree with you lol

[@TheRealOsiris]

This is the most cringe interview ever. Media are such sellouts with these questions. You think the guy would openly throw Penix under the bus? Stop fishing for clicks.

[@KingQuan575]

Kirko Chains gonna shock the world and us true falcon fans are here for it🫡

[@352BMic]

Kirk is a good qb to learn from coming into the league I hope Penix has humility to receive his knowledge

[@RedHoodFH]

Bet that felt like a kick in the Penix

[@dennislewis7047]

Thats why they drafted a Quarterback. Just jn case ge us nit physically ready and if he gets hurt during the season. Achilles is a tricky injury.

[@wol4djr]

Cousins is the true Professional! The most important part of every sport is Winning! And He knows that!

[@Johnhargrove18]

Kirk and winning? The guy with 1 playoff win and 0 top 5 offenses in his career?

[@ianm8218]

He’s making 45 mil a year, I don’t think he cares

[@wicmil13]

Cousins and Wining shouldnt be in the same sentence! Ever

[@Paula-mv8im]

@@Johnhargrove18 and bottom ranked defenses, too.

[@Johnhargrove18]

@@Paula-mv8im top 5 in 2018 and top 5 in 2019

[@Chitown18]

Kirk has absolutely no reason to be pissed off ..Kirk cousins is 36 and has a grand total of 1 playoff win in his career

[@thoek1510]

Casual

[@Johnhargrove18]

@@thoek1510how is he a causal? 1 playoff win and also missed the playoffs with a top 5 defense in 2018. He’s a career loser

[@sharmarizle21]

Facts i agree with you 💯

[@thoek1510]

What were the Vikings defensive rankings in 2019-2023? The Vikings defense made Daniel jones look like Patrick mahomes in their playoff game in 2023

[@Johnhargrove18]

@@thoek1510 not good but let’s not act like the Vikings offense was scoring 40 and losing. The Vikings offense was top 10 once in those 4 years and around league average the rest of those years. Kirk cousins isn’t built for run and shoot offenses like drew brees

[@MasterSlime03]

Man whole demeanor changed when he heard “took a quarterback 8th overall” you can see it on his face 😭

[@NovaVsDon]

I mean. IT’s brought up to be a negative thing. So when people ask that question they want him to seem mad. But he’s the starter and that won’t change unless he gets hurt. So for the people that want it to be a bad thing can get over it. 💯

[@burn8175]

I would too if I’m hearing this bs everyday since draft

[@Blacattacsquadron]

It's definitely a black and white thing. These so-called fans and reporters wanted them to draft J.J. or this other white guy. These folks give themselves away with their bad analysis of the situation. The Falcons has a history of not taking care of the QB position especially in the draft. If they drafted defense as a priority the reporters would trash them and say they're just being the Falcons that's known to not take care of their offense and draft horrible players.

[@mh3594]

He’s mad the other two commenters are coping 😂😂😂

[@MasterSlime03]

@@NovaVsDon it is a bad thing cause they paid Kirk 180 mill to be a bridge Qb they could’ve got a bridge QB in Fields for a lot cheaper and he’s not coming off a torn Achilles

[@johnpenley]

Unfortunate to see him get hurt. He really is a good QB and team leader.

[@SportsBossMan]

Kirk Cousins was well on his way to be league MVP last season before he got hurt. He'll do great offensively by elevating the play of Drake London and particularly TE Kyle Pitts. Look how well he connected with tight end TJ Hockenson last year.

[@itsjustjonnoh]

Amazing interview, a lot of great information from this. Don’t bet sgaijst Atlanta. #riseup 🦅

[@positivepatrick2009]

Wow, I can't believe we have this guy as our QB. Sooo excited. Class act and can sling it. Excited to see our young guys surrounded by a Field General. Gonna be awesome. Let's go Dirty Birds!!!!!

[@SportsBossMan]

You SHOULD be excited! This guy can play, he's tough, stands in the pocket to the very last second, and throws accurately. Besides, what a class act! He's humble, yet he realizes he's the man there. His teammates will definately take to his style - he's straight-forward, genuine, and won't fall to the pressure he's facing. The fans will embrace and love this man!

[@nodice100]

Kirks a good dude!! Hope he succeeds in Atlanta!!

[@lincolnchafee9602]

As a vikings fan I wish him the best. At first I was sad he left he was playing so well before he got hurt. But I'm glad we're moving on and I hope he does well in a division where there's opportunity for them to do well. I'm probably gonna go to the game here vs falcons and want to see him lose then tho 😂

[@augiii6036]

Bruh... those graphics were just disrespectful💀. I mean the guy is literally talking to you as you display his record vs the Chiefs & new team's subpar record from last year... Ngl, it'll be a rough start possibly but Kirko's gonna do great for Atlanta this season.

[@user-ym9dz5uy2v]

Meh. They are just facts. Facts shouldn't hurt you. I like knowing he's 0-3 against chiefs, we've got to change that.

[@aliconteh7497]

Kirko!!!!!

[@StevenChan-26Bleezy-Incendiary]

I don't think he would have left the Vikings if he knew the Falcons were going to draft a QB early. His belief was, I get to be the man. Then literally the last minute the Falcons tell him their going to Draft Penix. Then it went to, I'm the man for now, i got to keep this rookie from outshining me. As soon as i play bad, everyone is going to bring him up. If i get injured & he plays great, It's over for me. Even if i play great this year, next season i have to worry about the same thing, and the nest season after that. If he stayed with the Vikings, he would be the man no matter what.

[@ronaldwilliams9635]

Thats why he left the Vikings, just for the Falcons to play that boy

[@1RobertSmith]

35yrs old, 1 playoff win, with Achilles surgery and inked $180mil deal still based off of "potential". You're blessed to still be getting paid off of potential at that age, dont matter how many QBs a team has put around you

[@maya_coqsalonga]

Jealous?

[@1RobertSmith]

First time I ever heard a reply of jealousy towards someone who just acknowledged that something was a blessing. That's the internets for ya

[@zerorush9296]

@@maya_coqsalonga Found Kirks number one fanboy.

[@Paula-mv8im]

Kirk gets paid like he does because of his performance and durability. He throws 4000+ yards and 30+ TDs every season like clockwork. His career passer rating is 98.2. which is the 8th highest passer rating in NFL history…in NFL history. He’s 5th all-time in completion percentage. His passing yards per game also ranks 10th all-time in the history of the NFL. Kirk takes care of his body better than Brady. Before this injury, the last time Kirk missed a game due to injury was in 2009 when he was in college which was 14 years ago. Achilles’ injuries are serious but I am not worried about Kirk’s injury when he was taking 7 step drop backs and throwing loss passes at only 4 months after his surgery. Say the Falcons had signed Garoppolo, who is a 2x Super Bowl winner, but can’t stay healthy and got benched for a rookie, they wouldn't have paid him that kind of money.

[@SportsBossMan]

"Potential?" That applies to Michael Penix, not Kirk Cousins. Cousins was on his way to an MVP last season before he got hurt. Penix is a prospect - that's all.

[@davidbrazell5179]

Kirk has too carry us into the post season!

[@SportsBossMan]

Probably. Too bad the Falcons didn't have the brains to draft a stud defensive player instead of a backup QB. I'm rooting for Kirk for sure.

[@burn8175]

Yall really hate the falcons

[@SportsBossMan]

The only reason I have for hating the Falcons is they were too stupid not to hire the greatest head coach in NFL history. I'm a big Kirk Cousins fan and look for big things from him.

[@VaiHousehold]

Penix will play next year or 2. One season to sit, Kirk to be traded away. Reminds us of Mahomes/Smith at Chiefs. Penix is nice. Some say it was a bad pick. He’s very nice!

[@Paula-mv8im]

You don't pay a quarterback 100 million and not play him. Penix ain't seeing the field for at least two seasons and maybe more because Kirk is playing well. Smith was with the Chiefs for 5 seasons before they traded for Mahomes. Since Kirk hasn't even played for Atlanta yet, it's a completely different situation.

[@matchpoint14]

2 MONTHS and we will have games!!!! regular season starts in 3 months. time flys!!

[@kmac3391]

Man is a pro ✊

[@SportsBossMan]

I feel bad for Penix. It's not his fault they drafted him. He's NFL ready but won't get to play for 2-3 years barring a serious injury.

[@deebee5196]

As a Vikings fan Kirk is a great guy… with that being said, I’m glad the vikes did what they did.

[@michaelk8710]

Yeah? Wait til the season starts...

[@user-bd3zy6wo7l]

Older white qb veteran, younger black rookie qb that has wheels but doesn't run much (ran 4.6 40)

[@theeditorrestrial]

Oh boy….former coach Smith will be playing against Atlanta at Atlanta opening day. May it be an Atlanta winner. Only stinker is ol Cord is running for Pittsburgh now. Should be gooood

[@SportsBossMan]

Bet the house on Atlanta Week One. Kirk Cousins or Russell Wilson. Case closed.

[@srtifiedking]

Sir we don’t know if you gon be ready to start or will even be durable. We had zero QBs so yea we needed an extra one lol don’t matter how you feel 😂

[@Paula-mv8im]

FYI...... Kirk takes care of his body better than Brady. Before this injury, the last time Kirk missed a game due to injury was in 2009 when he was in college which was 14 years ago. Achilles’ injuries are serious but I am not worried about Kirk’s injury when he was taking 7 step drop backs and throwing loss passes at only 4 months after his surgery. Meanwhile Penix ….has had 4 season ending injuries in his college career. He had the same shoulder injury as Christian Ponder who was a bust. Penix also has had two torn ACLs which is the same injury that RGIII had and he couldn’t stay healthy.

[@ryanhall5354]

putting his contract terms under his name is crazy lol homie is a 4x pro bowler

[@jeffrichards1537]

Every starter should have attitude to help guy behind him to get better in case they get injured and can't play. Backup will be prepared.

[@SportsBossMan]

It was a very political statement by Cousins. Being the competitor he is, there's no way he loses his job to Penix.

[@kennethwilliams9668]

I wouldn't be mad, neither, if i just signed a 100mil guarantee and may not have to produce for more than a couple of months. He has already secured the bag 😂

[@techsmc]

Kirk would be great in the booth if he wanted to go that route

[@mr.bitcoin1953]

Kirk lead the leading in most QB statistics last year before getting hurt. Penix would have to play like the best QB in the league if he got the opportunity to replace Kirk. Won't happen unless Kirk gets seriously injured this year.

[@clarencemcneal5963]

Let it go, please. The only person KIRK need to worry about is Kirk. He ball, there’s no issue.

[@SportsBossMan]

Michael Penix will be carrying a clipboard for 3 years! Great job blowing the 8th pick in the draft.

[@king_charlie]

kirk is such a likeable guy no diddy

[@deanladue5367]

The very second the selection of Penix was brought up, Cousins demeanor completely changed.

[@maya_coqsalonga]

Wouldn't yours?

[@zameelharoon1714]

Did anyone notice kirks adidas logo moving

[@user-js5ux5zb7q]

It's ironic now he's in the same situation RG3 was in when the Redskins drafted him

[@tim4cn759]

He's still my favorite quarterback has been since the original You like that game.. we have JJ McCarthy and Sam Darnold now and our defense is going to have to smother Kirko Chains ⛓ he can't operate the way he wants when he is getting a lot of pressure or sax

[@Paula-mv8im]

No quarterback is gonna do well when they are getting sacked a lot...lol. According to Sportradar data, Since Kirk joined the Vikings in 2018, he has a 111.4 passer rating against the blitz, trailing only Drew Brees and Patrick Mahomes over that span in the NFL. So the data shows that he actually does well against pressure. We all saw what happened vs 49ers when he actually has time to throw the ball....he carved up that defense. And.....Kirk put up stratospheric numbers in Washington despite having limited weapons. In 2016, he passed for 4,917 yards. His pass-catchers included Jamison Crowder, Vernon Davis, Josh Doctson, Terrelle Pryor, Jordan Reed, Kapri Bibbs, Ryan Grant, and Chris Thompson. None of those guys were All Pros or Pro Bowlers.

[@usheeg]

You can tell when swagu asked that question his whole demeanor changed. He didn't even speak about MPJr's talent or ability. Just working together 😅😅😅

[@drizzymoon347]

Shots at orlovsky😂

[@mauricezackery1692]

I hate that Bijan’s not practicing.

[@clutchdunks]

You know bro was pissed 💀

[@anoceanbetweenus89]

The falcons did him a little dirty the way they handled the penix pick but I think it was the right move. Cousins is not going to be getting better. He’ll be solid but he’s 36 coming off Achilles surgery. It’s good to have a backup ready in the wings who can learn from him.

[@Paula-mv8im]

"Cousins is not going to be getting better." Kirk's history suggests otherwise...He has been doubted and undervalued his whole life and has proved people wrong for years. Also, he obsessively works hard to improve every year. In 2022, and with a new coach in O’Connell (who was way better than Zimmer with his outdated coaching style and bottom of the league defense), Kirk led the Vikings to a 13-4 season in 2022 despite having a 28th ranked run game and a 31st ranked defense and the greatest comeback in NFL history. Then in 2023, at age 35 when everyone said that Kirk was for sure going to decline, he had an MVP season before he got hurt for the first time in his 12 year career (he was tied for 1st in touchdowns, 1st in pass attempts, 1st in pass completions, 2nd in passing yards, 3rd in QB rating, and 5th in completion percentage.) And the only reason that he even tore his Achilles was that he wore the longer spikes for the first time in that 12 year career and said that his cleat got stuck in the ground. Were it not for insane number of times that receivers dropped accurate passes, tipped the ball to other team, fumbled the ball, knocked the ball out Kirk’s hands (this same guard stepped on Kirk’s foot three times in 2022), didn’t block defenders, and committed stupid penalties, the Vikings would have had a far better record. Plus, that 31st ranked defense was still learning new defense under Flores.

[@EEK____]

He was definitely pissed off you can see it in his eyes lmao

[@inpursuitofexcellence750]

Wondering how a pissed off Kirk will play this season

[@Paula-mv8im]

@@inpursuitofexcellence750 Angry Kirk plays really good

[@witbio]

Media is so corny 🌽of course it's the black one that asks that question

[@mauricelamar9394]

Kirk cousins is worth all that money, and got two doors from where he is sitting. I bet he is saving his money to get into business after football. Hedge funds etc.

[@user-mp6dl7wc9z]

Kirk has all the money most dudes got 1 door. Kirk got 2! Genius post!

[@Johnhargrove18]

When I think of 3 and out Kirk cousins Instantly comes to mind

[@maya_coqsalonga]

When it's 3 & 1 and coach calls run up the "A" gap every time it's not on Kirk.

[@Paula-mv8im]

That's a dumb take when the Vikings were the 11th best team in 2022 for 3rd down conversions with O'Connell. It was worse before that with Zimmer because he always wanted to run the ball on third down.....and on second down.....and on first down. That's not on Kirk.

[@motherlodebassin5369]

Atlanta schedule is so easy…I’m sure he will make it look hard tho

[@MrTerrell966]

Based off of last year? lol... Judging schedules at this point is meaningless... Teams arent the same as last season.. They never are..

[@innerspace56]

"There's a new quarterback in Atlanta..." FALSE. There are two new quarterbacks and a front office that clearly needs some mentoring..

[@user-bj8qp4fg6m]

Atlanta doesn’t deserve Kirk

[@Icien1]

I honestly don't get why the pick is so controversial plenty of guys have sat behind a proven QB and done well. Id rather havr two potentially good QBs than one.

[@Urbohat]

Not fair to Pennix Bc he’s 24 already Ready now Now he has to wait till 26? Come on

[@walkermusicandother3374]

If only we had real unscripted games🤦🏾‍♂️ would’ve been very entertaining

[@ClassyAssassin0]

Kirk imeadietly lookin for primetime games lol

[@alphamalementality7105]

Kirk cousins is one of the highest paid mediocre regular season quarterbacks of all time 💯

[@jamesjohnson6327]

Im saying this first. KC and Atlanta in the superbowl. Watch...

[@dennislewis7047]

They have an easy schedule this year.

[@Johnhargrove18]

Nothings easy with Kirk cousins, he was taking teams such as the panthers and bears down to the final possession

[@Paula-mv8im]

​@@Johnhargrove18 You must have some serious memory deficits.....smh When the Vikings played the Panthers, they weren't playing their best ball because.....receivers dropped accurate passes, tipped the ball to other team, fumbled the ball, didn't block defenders, and committed stupid penalties and the defense was also still learning Flores' system for the first few games and weren’t causing turnovers like they did in the 2022 season. The Bears game was the first game without Jefferson so there was bound to be some adjustment as evidenced by Kirk wearing a wrist band for the first time in a very long time.

[@jessevasquez7917]

Stop it the 9ers have the easiest schedule they really trying to get frisco a ring

[@gentlemans.guidance365]

I bet they drafted Penix Jr knowing they would lose their pick for tampering

[@NormanNorthman]

Mark my words. Cousins will be injured by week 3. Penix will take over and do okay.

[@jonosay854]

Why is Sleazeball Scheftner on here so much? He brings nothing but his fake opinions

[@nitehawk_100]

Kirk bet on himself many times and got paid. This time a team hedged and drafted a future QB but I still think Kirk has won most of time by betting on himself to get those mega contracts.

[@Bryce-qh9rt]

You’ll be lucky to win a playoff game good luck ATL lmao 😂

[@StarWarsInfinite]

I wouldn't care if you paid me 180 million dollars to sit down and watch football. No wonder he doesnt care; nor should he lol

[@Kyle22oifer]

God bless! Jesus Christ is King and saves and is the way! Psalms 62 - "Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

[@MasterSlime03]

It’s a chance he’s healthy and not even starting against Minnesota 🤣 I love the falcons for being the falcons 😭

[@Just_A_Name14]

Kirk is your HOA Chad who’s Karen wife is the problem

[@paulietaliho3947]

Go BUCS 🏴‍☠️

[@tonywilliams6492]

Kirk is so salty lmfao

[@giffondhall9214]

Overrated

[@MyName-yl2nc]

Kirk is overrated and overpaid even when he was here in Minnesota

[@OHANA-Beach-Suites-CDO]