THIS is the BIGGEST Problem with the Falcons...

[@alextouchstone1334]

Kirk has had one of the worst months of football I've ever seen

[@gunerz3146]

And just 4 weeks ago i was feeling pretty good about where we were as a team.

[@theratking1v9]

@@gunerz3146 it was october

[@DerrienTurner]

As a cousins fan yes he is off his game and this his first year with them everything not gone always be good and the biggest problem he back off an Achilles so he definitely not mobile no more I think he gone be fine it’s just a couple of late passes and few balls not in the right place

[@jkh5]

The best thing about Falcons tape is watching Bijan pickup the blitz

[@davidwillis8623]

It’s actually upsetting to me, they should have Bijan releasing more for checkdowns, he should have had 7 receptions for like 63 yards this game

[@lordhegamonster6931]

The only good thing about Falcons tape..

[@HalseyHFW]

Falcons should be charged with malpractice for giving Cousins that 4 year deal.

[@JustAGuyOutHere]

It’s only 2 years guaranteed for basically the same annually as Daniel Jones. It was a gamble, it’s not paying off. Thankfully they also planned ahead and got Penix. This was always a bridge QB deal.

[@HalseyHFW]

@JustAGuyOutHere Its a 4 year contract. He will be on the cap 4 years.

[@CKpremium1992]

Hindsight is 20/20 dude.. Cousins was the clear mvp favorite and was playing the best ball of his life before the injury.. and Cousins has been a consistent solid QB for about a decade.. The Falcons paid him based on that production.. Kirk has still played some great ball this season for example throwing for 509 yards 4 TDs, 1 INT on 72.4% against Tampa.. so he’s shown what he can do which is worth the money.. the problem is he’s been extremely inconsistent because the injury is still clearly limiting him.. No one knew how this injury was going to affect Cousins.. hence why the Falcons also drafted Penix as insurance..

[@bobman120487]

As a Vikings fan.... I know your pain

[@devonh-fg4so]

@@HalseyHFWno he won’t 90 million over the first 2 years and only 10 million year 3

[@Natedawg512]

How is penix suppose to learn from a guy that’s thrown 8 INTs and 0 TDS in the last four games… bros on a paid vacation pretty much right now

[@MikeyTiger37]

By doing the exact opposite of what he's seeing

[@abyxis]

“Ok so Kirk did this. Let me NOT do that.” 😂

[@bosquali6284]

He's going to Learn Not Too 😂

[@JustAGuyOutHere]

He’s getting taught how to read film, how to talk NFL ball, how to handle the media, how to handle body conditioning, etc. Kirk isn’t playing well at all, but there’s plenty of off the field knowledge he can learn from Kirk Cousins. That man hasn’t been in the NFL for 13 years for nothing.

[@patrickfyall3536]

Learning what not to do I guess 🤷🏿‍♂️😅

[@GappyHilmore18]

We need to get my boy Benkert on ESPN to analyze football on a big touchscreen

[@CVines08]

Shoot, at this point, might as well put him in instead of Kirk. 😅

[@Provenblueprint]

No

[@Eidenhoek]

Well, he's announcing alongside 86, so like

[@Paula-mv8im]

​@@CVines08 Seriously?? Benkert was never good enough to play on an NFL team, was barely on the practice squads of three different NFL teams, and wasn't successful on an XFL team.

[@Paula-mv8im]

Seriously?? Benkert was never good enough to play on an NFL team, was barely on the practice squads of three different NFL teams, and wasn't successful on an XFL team.

[@retrocny5625]

Cousins is no Brady. Brady was the exception, not the rule, winning a super bowl against Mahomes in the modern era as a non-mobile, old, pocket passing QB. Brady could do it because he's Brady. He didn't need to scramble, because he always knew how to get into the right play, has seen every defense known to man, and has unreal IQ and knows how to manage games and situations perfectly. I don't really think you're gonna see that again in the modern day. Even older active QBs in the league right now, like Stafford, can get outside the pocket and move a bit whether it's on scrambles or play action boots, etc. Goff can do it some as well, even though he's more of a pocket passer. I mean look at Rodgers. He's old, he's not nearly as mobile as he was before the injury, he doesn't have the bounce in the pocket that he always used to have, he has two of the most insane receivers in the league in Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson, they have an outstanding young RB in Breece Hall, he has his handpicked offensive coordinator that he has extensive history with anddddd... they're terrible and Rodgers looks terrible, missing throws he'd never miss in the past and he cannot really evade pressure anymore, nor can he create off-script like he used to be SO deadly at doing for all of his career basically. Cousins is finished really. It's not like he doesn't have talent, he has talent in the receiver room, Bijan Robinson is an incredible back who is young and hungry to make a name for himself, Kirk doesn't have a whole lot of excuses, just like Aaron.

[@Eidenhoek]

The Bucs defense won them that game, guys. I feel like it's going to be cyclical, much like how the running game seems to be becoming more in vogue now. And like how Randall Cunningham, Steve Young, Michael Vick, and others, could scramble. And Tarkenton, Staubach...

[@kevinak-d1x]

​@@Eidenhoek tom Brady beat mahomes in the afc championship in OT as well, did the defense win that game? Brady beat mahomes ass

[@Indigo_drip]

@@kevinak-d1xMahomes didn’t even have a chance to tie the game up how he beat his ass 💀

[@systemofadown565]

As a Falcons fan, this was cathartic to watch lol so for that, I thank you.

[@lyndelf]

Please keep playing Cousins, signed the Buccaneers fans!!

[@tsquare9168]

The pass to Pitts in the crossing route you were unsure if it hit his hands and was on his back shoulder, was Pitts fault for taking his eyes of the ball before he secured the catch. It did hit him in the hands. That one was not Cousins' fault.

[@ZaiiZ3ro]

Pitts should have caught that, but was still a bad ball because it wasn’t in front of him

[@Paula-mv8im]

@@ZaiiZ3ro If the ball hit him in the hands.....it was in front of him...smh

[@Tre1222]

Love seeing a former ATL QB being honest about the current situation. Great video, great take Kurt!

[@KurtBenkert]

🤝

[@ssponjosito]

Kurt I agree with you that Cousins isnt the guy and the Falcons paid the wrong guy but it is kind of funny that you’re criticizing him throughout the video and for the most part he is making the right throws. Im not trying to defend him but if theres any games you can trash him on it would be the Chargers game imo. Outside of the 2 picks and a handful of missed throws he had his best game of this 4 game stinker stretch against arguably a top 3 defense in the league rn.

[@deanladue5367]

@@ssponjosito the Vikings 'D' was giving him all the underneath stuff and the flat routes to the sideline. The only deep shot he took was to McCloud as the Falcons were going after replacement Vikings CB Shaq Griffith. Who was starting in place of injured starter Stefon Gilmore.

[@Paula-mv8im]

@@deanladue5367 Did you even watch the game??? Kirk had 5 big plays to Mooney alone. Can't take a deep shot if guys are covered. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rl6vnHV5pNaerNU

[@psyrinox]

Great analysis, just found your channel. I've never wanted the Penix as bad as I do now. Good luck with NBC!

[@Arcaten69]

One of the other things worth pointing out for the falcons is how predictable they are. I'm not sure if it's because of Kirk's limitations but just in this game they pass 35/36 times out of shotgun and run the ball 13/17 under center and 16/17 from the pistol.

[@gqbcustomkickz]

Kurt is on the money about Kirk being off his game 🎯....I don't know what's going on BUT as a Falcons fan, we need a change in something AND FAST....we've been through enough the past 7 seasons 💯....ON TOP of the 16'-17' Superbowl loss....if you're still here like myself after all of that YOU ARE A TRUE FAN OF THE LOGO

[@Paula-mv8im]

The whole team is off....an inconsistent defense that will allow 35+ points in one game and only 17 points the next game, penalties (12 penalties for 127 yards vs Vikings!!!) that are just killing drives, and certain receivers not stepping up.

[@thetruth981]

KOC had Kirk playing probably the best football of his entire career right before he got injured. But now, there are two main problems. He's not 100% healthy, and the other problem that is not fixable is..... he doesn't have KOC anymore.

[@Kraz8]

Hella wild to clown Cousins for 2 picks then try to prop up Jordan Love like he didn't throw 3 picks against that defense.

[@johnn.marshall4566]

He’s lucky he didn’t throw 4. Van Ginkel almost had another pick 6.

[@DamnCam83]

To be fair, Love doesn’t have the experience or the salary that Kirk does.

[@Paula-mv8im]

@@DamnCam83 What difference does the money make?? Love is an NFL quarterback just like Kirk. Besides that....Love is making 10 million MORE than Kirk is, btw.

[@Paula-mv8im]

@@johnn.marshall4566Yeah...2+1 = 3, not 4. And almost still doesn't count...just like an "almost" win. Hall of Famer Peyton Manning threw 6 picks in a game. Happens to the best of them. Interceptions aren't always 100% on the QB either

[@johnn.marshall4566]

@@Paula-mv8im yeah no shit buddy. He threw another pass to London over the middle that should’ve been an interception. All of those picks are Kirk’s fault btw. The only person dropping passes out there was Pitts.

[@dakotadavey496]

I feel your pain watching this… they’re just doing the brain dead approach of “oh I’m gonna let my rookie qb sit back and learn” but what is penix actually learning here at this point… just let him play.

[@umeeerrr-u4d]

He is also learning form thr defenses. I’m a Kirk hater but the stats show qbs do better after sitting one year

[@abyxis]

That approach is not brain dead on its own. But if you have somebody like Alex smith, russel Wilson rn etc that are playing well. Right now, Kirk is selling and Penix has had at least some time to figure things out. It makes sense to make the switch

[@makyiabonner5950]

@@umeeerrr-u4dconsidering old nfl schedules he sat over a year by now

[@jordan3305]

That isn’t all rookies learn from, just putting him out there if he isn’t ready is just as brain dead

[@blakeandrews9496]

they study this film even harder than this during the week i’m sure penix is at least learning where kirk is falling short and working together to improve

[@kambion]

Now do Darnolds 5 TD film as a palate cleanser.

[@desmondbush8804]

Talking heads dont like the vikings 😂 Skol

[@VersatileG]

4 of them against blown coverages against the worst corner in the league, congrats!

[@Paula-mv8im]

How about Darnold's 5 INT game? Vs the Jaguars...He threw three interceptions in the red zone (plus one that was reversed because of a flag). The Vikings were also in the 0-5 in the red zone. The two that didn’t count: #1 defender was unable to hold on to it but it was bad ball placement and #2 the ball is behind Addison and was caught by a defender. Reversed because another defender had hands to Jefferson’s face.

[@louhernandez7163]

The problem is when a GM makes a move to pay a lot on a free agent player they won’t bench that player. They won’t bench him this year until the last game of the season. Watch

[@ryqn2683]

I completely agree with you, but i can also see the reasoning behind not benching a guy you paid 180 mil after 4 bad games. I just don’t know at what point morris is gonna simply take the hit and try something different. Kirk is simply untrustworthy and unstartable.

[@davidwillis8623]

Some people are going to start feeling resentment in the locker room because they feel the team is being held back due to politics. If Penix is ready, I’m sure several players secretly ready to play with him. That alone could probably give us like a 2 game boost in wins.

[@craigg8574]

Would love a Stafford breakdown from the Bills game. Shameless Rams fan here 😅 Keep up the content for us football nerds 💪🏾

[@KurtBenkert]

He’s one of my favorite

[@temjin44]

Next year I want to see u in the broadcast booth. Blessed with articulation and keen insight.

[@RedWingFan1340]

Kirk usually has plenty of time to throw and still makes these questionable decisions. The o-line is good and Bijan sets some great blocks as a RB as well. He also refuses to throw the ball away. Just no excuses for this kind of play.

[@Halopunk90]

The o line is mediocre at best. How many penalties did they commit? Also imagine having a ‘unicorn’ TE/receiver that can’t block, catch, or break tackles. This is not a 1 vs 1 sport. Any QB will perform the same under this line with a TE that has no heart. Watch 4 min mark and tell us the line is good. The only thing wrong with the QB is his contract which locks up the roster flexibility. The boneheaded higher ups have no excuses

[@tree8059]

He can’t throw the ball away because he’s a statue in the pocket, that’s the issue

[@abyxis]

@@Halopunk90the offensive line had 4 players graded over 70 in this game. They are good. Kirk is just a sitting duck.

[@wehere6639]

@@Halopunk90the o line isn't the problem my guy😂😂

[@chrisdrummond380]

Granted our line can be a lil inconsistent at times but we honestly have one of the best lines in the league, both passing and rushing.

[@slpater1]

zac robinson has some blame here as well. so many empty or single back sets with 4 wide and all 4 will go on routes that are 10-15 yards before they develop. theres just not enough time in cover zero and kirk has to check out of these plays. but kirk is best running play actions, the falcons have run the third least play action passes in the entire league. our run game is too good not to use it

[@umeeerrr-u4d]

I’m a falcons fan and agree with everything your saying. You see the field in a unique way

[@jaylew651]

Y’all don’t know he was a pro Qb?

[@TK2K83]

Penix pls! He needs the job.

[@desmondbush8804]

As a vikings fans, thank you, Falcons, for taking him off our hands 😂

[@BrutusJrThe3rd]

You’re literally describing me in my Madden CFM 🤦🏾‍♂️ I threw 35 INT’s with Dak because of these exact reasons. Fumbles or picks. Thank you Kurt 🙏🏾

[@AFloodofSolaceJohnWhigham]

Here’s the thing that you are forgetting. There is a cerebral aspect to this game that you guys forget about. It’s not talent level, arm, strength or mobility that wins you championships. Look at Tom Brady. Does anybody remember that skinny little kid that was drafted in the 6th round? One of the reasons why Tom Brady was excellent was his ability to process and to know where to go with the ball. Kirk cousins is just struggling right now. Michael Penix is talented for sure, but if you think for one minute, he’s not going to turn the ball over you’re being foolish. All rookie quarterbacks turn the ball over, that’s what they do. They make poor decisions, and they lose games. Always has been, always will be to a certain extent. So, in conclusion, to sit and evaluate a quarterback on the premise of another man making the same throw is kind of jilted.. do you know what I mean? I get it. We’re all frustrated. But this season’s over. We are going to lose to the Raiders, because that’s what we do. We lose to teams that we should beat the pants off of. Just saying. I’ve seen it 100 times. Now, let’s address the real problem. We have a losing culture. We had an entitlement mentality in Atlanta. Until everyone gets on board with a strong work ethic, and stop acting like they’re entitled, we are going to be losers. Y’all know who I’m talking about. Enough said. This is not all Kirk cousins fault.

[@lordhegamonster6931]

I heard Penix is gay

[@AFloodofSolaceJohnWhigham]

@ I certainly hope not.

[@Paula-mv8im]

Agreed!!! except that the Falcons still aren’t win games until they clean up the penalties once and for all (12 penalties for 127 yards vs Vikings!!!) that are just killing drives and fix the inconsistent defense that will allow 35+ points in one game and only 17 points the next game. To blame one guy for all of the problems (in the ultimate team sport) is just unfair and dumb. All 11 guys on offense gotta do their thing to score points. There’s plenty of blame to go around.....pass protection, receivers not catching the ball or getting separation etc etc, an inconsistent defense. And not all of those interceptions are on Kirk either.

[@abyxis]

It would be different if Kirk was playing well. I don’t hate their approach, but I do hate that they won’t admit it’s failed. The falcons offense isn’t some bottom 5 unit that penix is gonna walk into you have weapons all over, a good line, let him RIP. This isn’t the panthers team Bryce walked into this is a team you can win the division with and Penix cieling can elevate weapons. Especially guys like Mooney.

[@davidwillis8623]

He’s a deep ball specialist, Mooney would essentially become WR1 with Penix and would probably hit 1,200 yards on the season.

[@Hugo5t1gl1tz]

Love it man, I fully agree! When Penix does get a start I hope you do one on him.

[@OMTstudios]

Come back Kurt :(. We fans always liked you

[@Kooky309]

how do i identify the Mic linebacker on every coverage

[@lebradpass5287]

I just can't anymore. Falcon fan here. What is the point of letting a veteran QB throw interceptions over the Rookie? Might as well let the Rookie try try to figure this out. We owe nothing to Kirk. He will get his bag. The loyalty will bring Raheem down too. Raheem needs to clean this team up. Too many mistakes.

[@pboogity8309]

12:32 never been high on Kirk but I’ll shoot him some bail on one front: Kyle Pitts is also not that dude and having a dynamic receiving TE that isn’t a dynamic receiver can be limiting to any offense. I’d guess it’d be especially bad for any offense with a one-legged qb. Edit: I’ve also watched a couple breakdowns on Minnesota’s defense this season and he ain’t the only person they made look sorry

[@tylerwright5346]

I was at the game and arrived early, mainly because I wanted to watch Penix warm up. Let me tell you this, the kid is ready. He looks amazing. It’s a travesty that the Falcons continue to roll with Kirk. It’s a travesty that the FO won’t admit that they made a mistake. Was it the right choice to sign Kirk? Yes I think it was. Is it the right choice to continue rolling with Kirk now? In my armchair GM position, the answer is clearly no. Great video Mr. Benkert and thank you for your time as a Falcon.

[@Alexjacinto831]

Kirk is not the problem

[@coryandrews4177]

Bro you should be an analyst for a network, an advisor for a team, or a coach. Your expertise within this makes 100 percent sense. I knew from the get go when they signed him they would end up regretting it. No offense to Falcons fans. But honestly you’re really good at this. Love your content! 👊

[@Paula-mv8im]

I wouldn’t put any stock in Benkert’s analysis. He was never good enough to play on an NFL team, was barely on the practice squads of three different NFL teams, and wasn't successful on an XFL team. If you want a great analysis, watch an NFL quarterback or coach break down film.

[@J_Scoom]

7:18 Bijan blows sh*t up 😂😂

[@gchase1618]

What’s up man!!! Everything you are saying is spot on!!! I might be fanboying right now but I was super bummed when you left the Falcons… I watched you at the Falcons training camp your rookie year and thought you were the future… Live your content… Keep up the good work!!!

[@IceCubE4425]

W from the Vikings from Moving on from him and the media clowning them for it. Trust Kwesi and KOC

[@lavs8696]

only reason they moved on is because the falcons outdumbed them and offered him an extra year

[@abyxis]

Except the Vikings were going to keep him. They literally only got lucky Atlanta offered the multi year.

[@abyxis]

@@lavs8696yep. This is literally it. I can’t believe this narrative is around that “the Vikings knew” bro they were literally about to do EXACTLY what Atlanta did but with JJ McCarthy. It was 100% smarter to do a 1 year deal but they were gonna pay the guy too.

[@deanladue5367]

Kwesi Adofo Mensah made the decision to move on from Cousins because in the NFC Wildcard game vs the Giants, he saw firsthand what the Vikings ceiling was with Kirk in the playoffs. Would not give Cousins another extension that off-season, and converted his roster bonus to a signing bonus to lessen his cap hit. After that i knew that he was finished in MN after '23. I don't have anything personal against Cousins, he's a good football player and a better person. But also somone who wanted no part of the "big moment" when it arrived. '4th and 8' was hard proof of that.

[@WackoMac]

The vikes gave him an offer he couldn't accept, nice way to say "see ya" 🫡

[@dustykillerg]

As a die hard Falcons fan seeing Kirk have just as many interceptions and fumbles as Desmond Ridder is beyond infuriating

[@shawneuro1944]

WHY DO YOU HATE THE SAINTS 🤦🏾‍♂️⚜️

[@chriscoker7606]

receiver was late to the hash. They're developing a rookie who will struggle at some point too. They need to show Cousins loyalty during these times the same way they will show Penix. Look at Stroud this year versus last year.

[@Paula-mv8im]

Yep! London tripped on a route when Kirk had that four interception game. Kirk throws to a certain spot on the field and expects his receivers to run the correct route and be where they are supposed to be. Watch his throws...that ball is leaving his hand before his receiver has even gotten to the spot. Pitts has had an issue with stopping on his routes and not catching accurate balls. So, what looks like a bad throw really isn’t one. Both Kurt Warner (who actually knows what he is talking about) and Jay Gruden (who was Kirk 's coach in Washington and knows him) basically said that the offense out of sync (Warner and Gruden) and the receivers are not getting separation on their routes and aren't sharp coming in out of their breaks (Gruden). Unless you’ve been an NFL quarterback (or played in a game) or been an NFL coach, you really have no clue what you are talking about. People think they can just watch film and that makes them an "expert". Benkert never even played in an NFL game. He was barely on practice squads and never even made it in the XFL. I wouldn't put any stock in his analysis.

[@JackJack-up8mb]

My fault falcons fans i decided to trade for Kirk in fantasy and he has now not scored since I did this😅

[@chrisdrummond380]

Damn jack Jack get ya mans he selling us since you lucked him up 🤣

[@greencat1849]

Every game I play LaPorta, he gets under 10 points...legit, the only games he has gotten over 10 points this years is when he is on my bench. It's some kind of voodoo doll, luckily Jonnu Smith has saved me lately, so I've been playing Jonnu, which ofc means LaPorta been doing much better 😂

[@xraylegend2444]

He was doing really well last year before the injury so you'd usually give a guy like that a year of grace, just look at Russell Wilson. Penix waiting makes it tough but I'd imagine Aaron Rodgers would be in this same situation if he was on the falcons.

[@CMCFLYYY]

Haven't watched barely a lick of Falcons tape this season other than this video. But how much of this could be related to his Achilles injury from last year? It's barely been 12 months since the injury, and he's 36 already to boot. We know guys come back faster and faster from these types of major injuries, but sometimes it still takes a "get right" year especially for somebody as old as Kirk. This tape reminds me of early 2023 Burrow, with the calf injury that wasn't fully healed. Total lack of mobility, lack of zip on passes downfield, etc. And you are spot on - if you can't be mobile you have to be perfect with your reads, timing, and accuracy. Lack of mobility removes margin for error in play design, and it's clear from the tape that Kirk isn't capable of overcoming a bad play. He just doubles down on the bad with those "fuck it" throws.

[@greencat1849]

I think the difference between ealry 2023 Burrow and current Kirk is that Burrow is younger, and everyone knew he would be back to his high standard once he heals...the time is over for Kirk, he will never be able to run, even after the achilles heals bc of his age...and you really don't know if the strength is going to come back bc of his age as well. And with every game and hit he takes, he's only getting weaker

[@Paula-mv8im]

@@greencat1849 Zero mobility? Are you even watching the games?? He had a 16 yard scramble (actual 22 yards because yards behind the line of scrimmage don’t count) vs the Buccaneers in week 8 and vs the Vikings, he had a 17 yard run for a 1st down that got negated because of a penalty (2nd quarter - 0:36 minutes left). And what would you call him running off after he passes the ball to a running back…standing still??? He also scrambled out of the pocket in the Steeler’s game for a TD throw.. Quarterbacks aren't gonna be able to throw 30+ yard passes if they don't have the strength...smh..and they gotta throw catchable balls as well. Goff and Stafford aren’t any more mobile than Kirk is and the Lions and Rams are doing just fine. What an idiotic take.

[@Paula-mv8im]

It's not Kirk's Achilles. I've watched Kirk for years. The issues this year are more due the fact that he is throwing to new young receivers. Both Kurt Warner (who knows what he is talking about) and Jay Gruden (who was Kirk 's coach in Washington and knows him) basically said that the offense out of sync (Warner) and the receivers are not getting separation on their routes and aren't sharp coming in out of their breaks (Gruden). And anybody that complains about lack of zip on Kirk's passes are seeing what they want to see...smh. There was a story when Kirk was in Washington....he threw a fast ball to one of his veteran receivers who basically yelled at him that those kinds of balls are very difficult to catch. It's far better to throw the accurate, catchable ball. "It's clear from the tape"....How can it be clear when you've never played in the NFL??? What looks to us like someone is open is not always the case. I like to watch the analyses of NFL quarterbacks break down and explain film. Benkert never even played in an NFL game. He was barely on practice squads and never even made it in the XFL. I wouldn't put any stock in his analysis.

[@greencat1849]

​@@Paula-mv8imBut whatever, I guess I shouldn't listen to a former QB and listen to a nobody YT commenter 😂

[@greencat1849]

​@Paula-mv8im So stfu and go sit down somewhere, and I don't want to see you blabbering on anymore about nonsense and outliers. Kirk statistically has dropped average velo throughout his career, and it has taken a dramatic drop this year. You're just wrong.

[@dominicvandermyde3773]

Someone said Cousins is a poor man's Darnold 💀💀💀💀💀

[@Paula-mv8im]

Well, they clearly have no idea what they are talking about…smh. Until Darnold can put together successful consecutive seasons, he is overrated. With the Vikings, Kirk would be doing far better than him and the Vikings would probably be 13-0. In 2022, the Vikings went 13-4 with no run game and Donatell’s “bend don’t break” crappy defense in KOC’s first year. It'd be his THIRD year with the same play caller (for the first time in his career) and throwing to guys he's been throwing to for years and would have a far better defense that was 31st in 2022. In 2023, Kirk only improved and was playing at an MVP level (1st to 5th in all the QB stats). From the 49ers game on, he had consecutive 100+ passer ratings. At the same time, Flores’ defense was starting to click. Then Kirk got hurt. Unfortunately, no one knows or can even guess how the season would have ended but two excellent years with a great coach (finally!) gives you a good idea. For 2024, Kirk would probably be on his way to a 5000 yard season and Jefferson would for sure be getting even more than 1800 yards that he had in 2022. You know…if KOC had a choice between Kirk and Darnold, he’d pick Kirk 10 times out of 10. He wanted Kirk to come back and had told him if he did, they probably wouldn't be drafting a quarterback. But those decisions aren't up to him. In Atlanta, the “bend don’t break” defense (like Donatell’s crappy defense) is not working, the offense has not been in sync, pass protection that has not always been good, receivers are not getting open, a certain receiver is giving up on his routes and they are getting way too many penalties that are just killing drives. It's unfair to blame one guy for the team's issues.

[@jonchapo7700]

Bruh really finessed the falcons smh

[@take5DD]

Kirk has played bad. He actually cost them a win. But he's not the main problem. Look at the trash on defense. #20 and #21. They have zero ball awareness.

[@davidwillis8623]

I think defense is suffering at this point because of the morale being at an all-time low due to bad QB play. Bad QB play impacts the whole team.

[@Paula-mv8im]

@@davidwillis8623 That's not it. Watch the press conferences and the interviews after the game. The players know better than anyone that wins-losses are not all one one guy. It takes all 11 on offense. And when Koo missed three fields, no one threw him under the bus.. Unfortunately, fans are incapable of understanding that football is the ultimate team sport.

[@Paula-mv8im]

It's a team sport, dude...smh. Not one player is gonna cause a loss. Sure interceptions are bad, but it's also on the defense to get stops and turnovers. Goff had a 5 Interception game this season and because of his defense, the Lions still won. And if the Falcons had won, NO ONE would be talking about the interceptions.

[@colefromatlanta]

I've really disliked Zac Robinson's play calling, and I haven't been high on Kirk either, but this made me realize how much of our offensive failures are on Kirk's lack of mobility.

[@Yatta_Kidd]

As a Falcons fan, you are very accurate my guy 🎯

[@AC-bo8jr]

New here, Good take brother 40 mil to give f it passes is unacceptable, you my friend have a new Subscriber..

[@MatthiasMoerman22]

love from Belgium

[@kelligreen1951]

Honestly, kirko chainz is gone, It's now Kirko no gains

[@abyxis]

Kirko shartz

[@mattlovelltv3794]

We really can't afford to bench Kirk, we paid him too much and Penix isn't ready, but dang I've been to 3 games recently and it's too hard to watch

[@bosquali6284]

Ah! Ah! F*uck It! Lol 😂😂😂

[@xfindleyx5345]

i agree with everything you said in this, but yea at 11:53, that pass to Pitts was a drop, they showed the slowmo replay, and it hit him right in the hands, as he was turning his head, the DB did even touch him, so that was on Pitts, but Cousins has been off on throws all year, I thought it would get better throughout the season as he gets more game reps with the WRs but they are somehow getting worse, a lot of low throws i have seen

[@jhen0]

Thank you Kurt

[@CringeMaster9000]

Im a new football fan! Started rooting for the Falcons last year after i saw the Secret Base documentary on them. And even i noticed this awful tendency they have to just F it and throw the ball into double, triple coverage even. Kirk devolved into Desmond Ridder all of a sudden. The decision making last 3 games is VERY very similar. Most of the time you could just throw the ball away, even spike it. Hell, an intentional grounding would be better then this throws. The Falcons as a whole didnt make it easy for Kirko. Koo lost us a couple of games, Defense been awful most of the times. But i cant help but feel that this tendency they developed its just them trying to play heroball and failing miserably. Its sad because they played good for a stretch, our Offense was covering for bad ST and Defense play. Now we just imploding so spectacularly. I dont know if giving the keys to MPX would change anything but i agree that at least, AT LEAST we can have the same level of play on a much younger body. They need experience to move us forward.

[@CringeMaster9000]

Oh, also. I agree also with this clinging to guys thing of the NFL. I mean, i feel for the guy. For sure it aint easy for them to accept that theyr career is close to an end. For sure when they started playing they envisioned it to be much better ending. But now theres youngster that have so much promise in this team. They deserve better. NOW.

[@Codyoliverrr]

Benkert never got a fair chance in the nfl. I was excited when he was on the falcons.

[@Charlesthagreat05]

Hey Kurt, can you breakdown Jalen hurts tape VS the panthers? I’d really like to hear your insight as to why he’s struggling making simple reads or throwing the football to WIDE open receivers.

[@Eidenhoek]

4:22 That's one of the funnier looking sack tackles I've seen. Straight up dives up, then just flops on him.

[@datboinate0192]

Damn! He told nothing but the truth!!!

[@CarltonWright-vv3yu]

Russell Wilson should have been hired.

[@TheScratchGolfShow]

Sure I could find it but have you ever done a Goff breakdown?

[@HomeGrownKicks]

Kirks arm is cooked. If you watched that show QB when he was in Minnesota, he suffered through season long shoulder issues and was working on strengthens it.

[@ranfin1527]

Definitely a Pitts drop, but it could have been out in front a little more

[@KevinT7274]

Problem is if they cut Kirk after this season it's a $65M cap hit.

[@jaylew651]

I think Penix will outplay his rookie contract and play at the level they expect Kirk to be at . That should offset some.

[@BearGri11z]

They won't cut him. They will bench him and he will demand a release. They won't release him and fine him until him and his agent find a trade destination that will take some money

[@davidwillis8623]

No need to cut him, let him be a highly paid mentor and coach Penix through it next season from the 2nd string position

[@jaylew651]

@ and in the trade scenario almost guarantee. Atl will be paying his contract out even though he’s on another team. Similar to Russ

[@brandonkittleson9953]

IDK if you can question the toughness history... Cousins was constantly under pressure and hit in Minnesota and still delivered decent

[@ro229time3]

Mobility is a big piece that most teams have that we dont. And that’s a big piece.

[@Paula-mv8im]

Goff and Stafford aren’t any more mobile than Kirk is and the Lions and Rams are doing just fine.

[@ro229time3]

Watch how many QBs start running in the playoffs on 3rd downs. Both of them are more mobile than kirk. Kirk wont even move to get space to throw the ball.

[@wandameadows5736]

You said "Clear Since Day 1" when the Falcons started 6-3. You have no idea what your talking about.

[@Wannaknowmyname1]

My man at that point we were saying the falcons were a saquon drop, a Koo 58 yarder, and .025 left on the playclock away from 3-6 at that point anyway

[@Jcindacut]

Pitts wide open at the top of the screen on that 4th down miss to Ray Ray😑😑😑😑

[@monolith2001]

Wow. So many missed opportunities to open receivers...especially Mooney who seemed to winning a lot.

[@kevinpricejr3548]

Also when they did put MPJ in and he made great looking passes they stopped calling passes and only ran the ball so we cant see how good MPJ is yet

[@kevinpricejr3548]

The sad thing is I believe the front office can't put their pride aside and bench him. Bruh the fan base would be happier if they came out and said we made a choice that we thought was good but we messed up but we are making the change

[@adamseidel9780]

Watched Kirk for years with the Vikings. He’s never been mobile and he’s always needed help, but he was at least a guy who would make smart plays, could get rolling, and was able to move around in the pocket a little. You could put him on a nice rollout to buy him time and get him comfortable. His feet were good. With his leg now he’s just bolted to the ground back there, he can’t even shift his weight around right, it’s bad. And he’s in his head bad on top of it. But the Achilles has really been it for him.

[@davidwillis8623]

Had it not been for Justin Jefferson, I wonder what his Vikings days would have looked like

[@KeemTuffash]

Bruh I remember I wanted you to start on the falcons just because u had tattoos and could run

[@chrisbaune9]

Kirk’s velocity is just gone.

[@security864]

Kirk Cousins still has a job in the NFL, what about you?

[@lordhegamonster6931]

LMAO 😂👍

[@Kurbbiesae]

lmao fr💀

[@Paula-mv8im]

Benkert was never good enough to play on an NFL team, was barely on the practice squads of three different NFL teams, and wasn't successful on an XFL team. People think they can just watch film and that makes them an “expert”. smh

[@Sixgod27]

"Lack of mobility" immediatley thought bout rodgers lol pls let this be the last year my jets are bad 🤞

[@Magnollia53]

No movement or creativity in the pocket when things break down. Evident with the amount of balls that were batted down and the double pump throws that turn into picks. If he had the ability to pull the ball down and make an athletic move out of the pocket more plays could be created. Our receivers quit after they run their routes and the ball doesn’t come out. If they knew he could make a move out of the pocket then the receivers would continue to create on the back end. Trained responses by the receivers!!!

[@Bellator151]

The real problem is Tom Brady, making teams think that _every_ quarterback can now play into their forties; whereas examples like Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers show that Brady is a statistical outlier and that a significant drop-off in the late thirties remains the norm.

[@hanslarson6277]

Not sure whether he gets lazy, the toll of playing football for 2 months makes him lose focus or something else but Kirk’s play has always declined after October. This season it’s worse than I’ve ever seen but it was so frustrating to watch him play down the stretch when he was in Minnesota.

[@jsmith3798]

Kurt, I'm pretty sure the elephant in my room is different than the one in yours.. Mine may have spent some time in Atlanta, but it's not _from_ there.

[@RubenGeee]

Another W upload.

[@awatts756]

You need antidepressants to be a falcons fan…but I’m gonna ride with the dirty birds to the end

[@alexpedigo9716]

Penix is also not a runner. He would take the same hits. Would he get up? Have you noticed the falcon receivers are not getting separation. The two receivers to get open consistently are darnell, mooney and ray ray mcleod. The bigger guys. Kyle pitts and drake london, they're not getting separation. Watch the film they're not open. So while I agree, the kirk is making some errant throws, this is not all on kirk.

[@majestyzx9081]

Raheem Morris will never see the playoffs as a head coach. "He played better than last game" as a response to reporters in the postgame interview about Cousins is wild.

[@charlesthomas4641]

I keep asking on multiple sites what is the difference between Kirk and Matt Ryan and no has responded. Kirk is the same age that we were looking at moving on from Matt but didn’t. I will say this Matt never came off a career ending injury but more importantly the Falcons were not constructed as a great pass blocking team. More than ever, even Mahomes has to buy himself more time or else

[@jimbo92107]

Kirk Cousins has always been a B+ NFL starting quarterback. If you have an otherwise-overwhelming team, you can win a championship with Cousins. If not, then forget about getting past the second round of the playoffs. Cousins has never had the talent to carry a team, and now in his mid-30's, post injured hamstring, he's got even less physically to offer. Enter Michael Penix. Here's a guy with a legitimate gun for an arm, like a lefty Matt Stafford. Penix is very mobile, but he's also disciplined, so when he scrambles, he keeps looking downfield, and he can hit targets deep. Of all the high-potential QB prospects from the 2024 draft, Penix was considered the most ready to start immediately. Now that he has seen veteran Cousins preparing for over half a season of starts, Penix is ready to take over. It's simple: Forget the money. If Falcons fans want to have fun watching football, get Cousins out of there and replace him with Penix.

[@Jimbrig2011]

Good stuff

[@CookMortis]

The only stat you need is Jared Goff has 47 rush yards this season and is an MVP candidate, it’s not about scrambling, it’s Goffs decision making, timing and accuracy. Kirk is just playing unacceptably bad football.

[@BearGri11z]

He threw 5 picks in 1 game and WON... obviously more talent and better coached team... he also has several games with under 150 yards.. cherry picking stats much?

[@CookMortis]

@ Not really bro, with the exception of that game , when Goff drops back he gets that completion when necessary, you can’t tell me that Kirk isn’t surrounded by a comparable talent pool with the likes of London, Mooney, Bijan and Pitts. Call it cherry picking stats if you want, but I would say looking at one single bad game in a season of Goff playing some of his best ball is a direct contradiction. Cousins has had 50+ more passing attempts than Goff, but only 16 more completions and 100 more yards, how do you explain that inefficiency? How do you explain Goff being sacked 23 times with 10 INTs and Cousins being sacked 25 times with 15 INTs with 50+ more passing attempts if Cousins isn’t just saying “F it” and throwing it anywhere downfield to avoid the sack? You want the stats there you go.

[@lordhegamonster6931]

I heard Jared Goff is gay

[@mctrees02]

at the 5:24 mark, why is he not immediately throwing a high back shoulder fade to Pitts? He gets separation in man cover and the safety shouldn't be able to arrive in time before that throw would. It even looks like that is his first read and he moves on immediately despite Pitts getting space off the line

[@eababy]

Thank u Kurt for breaking down his film…. We haven’t won a game in like a month because of this type of shit Kirk has been doing

[@jsmith3798]

I mean, just for the moment, never mind all the other stuff you covered. How does a guy keep taking snaps just based on those stats you mentioned alone over the last few weeks? 0 TDs/2 INTs, 0 TDs/4 INTs, 0 TDs/1 INT, 0 TDs/1 INT.. How does a guy keep starting/playing after a 0 TD/8 INT 4 - week period?

[@airenknight7023]

That's zero pressure play made me lose my shit. Everybody on the planet knows Vikings bring zero pressure. You know you're hot let it go. Check down, throw away, something

[@russelljackson8153]

I do want to thank the Falcons for taking him off our hands - Sam Darnold is proving to be an upgrade on KC.

[@christophercrawford-qv4up]

Got a new subscriber. Now diagnose my alumni: Cal Bears 🐻 football 🏈.

[@benjidaboom]

I literally have him in fantasy n showed up when needed mid season, but now I’m paying the price for drafting him 😢 had high hopes, now crying while watching this.