Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has developed a reputation for being a solid quarterback who falls short of greatness, with his critics doubting he’ll ever be able to join the elite ranks.
While Cousins has put up impressive numbers and won plenty of games during the regular season, what you do in the playoffs and in high-pressure moments is what ultimately matters most when people judge your body of work. This is where Cousins has struggled.
Fair or not, the knock on Cousins is that he doesn’t show up in the biggest moments. Whether that is a prime-time matchup or a win-or-go-home playoff scenario, the feeling is that Cousins just does not bring his A-game in these moments.
Let’s take a closer look at Cousins’ playoff record and stats throughout his.
Kirk Cousins’ Playoff History
Cousins has played in five playoff games in his career and has a record of 1-4 in those games. Cousins, as a member of the then-Washington Redskins, had two playoff appearances early in his career, first in 2013 in relief of an injured Robert Griffin III and the second time in 2016, both resulting in losses.
Cousins got his first NFL playoff win as a member of the Minnesota Vikings in 2020 in the NFC Wild Card Round versus the New Orleans Saints. The following week, Cousins lost to a better San Francisco 49ers team in the NFC Divisional Round.
There was a three-year gap between Cousins’ next playoff appearance in 2022. Cousins and the Vikings were the No. 2 seed after finishing the regular season 13-4 and securing a home playoff matchup in the NFC Wild Card Round against the New York Giants.
Cousins’ Playoff Stats
Cousins has started four playoff games, and in those contest, he threw for 1,016 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception, with a 69% completion percentage.
How can Cousins change the narrative that he struggles when all eyes are him?
KEEP READING: Examining Kirk Cousins’ Prime-Time Record and Stats
Putting up some big performances in prime-time games would certainly help, but he really needs to lead the Falcons to the playoffs and thrive in the postseason in order to silence his biggest doubters.
Cousins has done extremely well for himself throughout his NFL career, with nearly $300 million in career earnings and a $120 million net worth. But if he wants to escape this narrative, he’ll have to deliver in the postseason when the Falcons need him most.