Is Netflix’s “Quarterback” Kirk Cousins’ Best Prime Time Performance?
Netflix’s new docuseries Quarterback is this week’s talk of the internet. The 8-episode series by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions dropped on July 12th. Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariota agreed to have cameras follow them around last season including the playoffs. Manning sent the cameras out with the mission to provide football fans with a realistic look into the unique life of an NFL quarterback. Which, in Manning’s opinion, is the hardest job across all professional sports.
Initially, anyone who watched the trailer for Quarterback certainly assumed the structure they chose was deliberate with Mahomes the great quarterback, Mariota the bad one—and our very own Kirk Cousins in the most dangerous spot of all, as the kids say, “Mid.”
Then a funny thing happened. Quarterback came out, and the entire Internet fell for Ned Flanders in a flak jacket, none other than Kirk Daniel Cousins. According to trending opinions on Twitter, it is impossible to watch Quarterback without falling for Kirk Cousins and hopping on his fan bandwagon. Despite my personal feelings for Cousins, most viewers will agree that he stole the show with the most interesting story arc. Since Mahomes was already a Super Bowl winner, his journey back to the top of the mountain was not all that enthralling. And then Mariota’s journey, while very dramatic, ended prematurely when he lost his Falcons starting spot.
Cousin’s story on the other hand was incredibly compelling. From the very first scene, Netflix portrays Kirk as the All-American Dad, entering his 11th football season without a single Super Bowl appearance, and an empty shelf at home reserved for a Lombardi trophy. It is expected that viewers would feel for Cousins as an underdog and identify him as the series protagonist. To no one’s surprise, this Philly girl has never been a big Cousins fan from his Washington days, but I went to watch the show with an open mind. Yet, despite all the Twitter promises, I did not end up falling fully head over heels for Kirk, and let me explain why.
Badass Cousins
A major thread of Cousin’s story was the abuse his body sustained week after week, as well as his prolonged rib injury. Netflix reinforced this storyline, showing shot after shot of Cousins getting sacked. Meanwhile, in my head I was thinking isn’t Burrow the most-hit QB in the league, why should I feel sorry for Kirk? There are no scenes of Kirk working out in Quarterback, rather clips of him in ice baths, stretching, and getting massages.
After watching Quarterback, it would be logical for people to view Cousins as one tough SOB playing through his injuries. But his abuse didn’t seem worse than what other QBs face, and too often felt like an excuse for poor plays. I’m not saying Cousins isn’t tough, you can’t make it in the league if you aren’t. Rather, I’m just saying T.O. played on a broken leg, Rogers played multiple games with a broken finger, and Mahomes played multiple games with an ankle sprain just last season. Cousins’ pain tolerance felt no more impressive than any of those. Not to mention, it was hard to get the sound of him yelping over and over on the field after he got hit out of my head. But then again, having a 300lb man slam you to the ground can do strange things to a person.
Mind-blowing Cousins
Throughout “Quarterback” it’s clear Netflix is trying to get you to root for the underdog, everyman Cousins. Cousins even goes so far as to relate his situation to a quote from Margaret Thatcher, “If my critics saw me walking on water, they would say it’s because I can’t swim.”
Part of the way Netflix tries to make Cousins endearing, it to show how Cousins uses progressive training techniques to make his mind an asset on the field. In the first episode, Cousins describes his use of neuro feedback and EEG testing to prepare for high-pressure decision-making. That may seem creative and disciplined, but throughout Quarterback Kirk is shown losing his temper and miscalling plays on game day. Whereas Mahomes is shown training day in and day out on his footwork and speed, perhaps a more effective use of time for a QB?
Lastly, fans are praising Kirk for utilizing the team psychologist, as it raises awareness and destigmatizes mental health treatment. Totally, every human on the planet could benefit from more mental health treatment. What I question, is the audience’s online hate campaign and double standard for Brittany Mahomes. When just this past spring, she announced to the public that her anxiety has worsened over recent years and she is currently in treatment. Seems an odd contrast for people to praise Kirk for seeking care, but hate Brittany in the midst of her mental health struggles?
Ultimate Good Guy
Prior to the Quarterback drop, Cousins was known for being a boring cornball, with memes galore about his Dad wardrobe and conversion van. In the show, there are heart-touching scenes of Kirk with his son in the locker room and reading books. This new behind-the-scenes look at family man Cousins has brought him a lot of positive feedback. There are also equally cute scenes of Mahomes feeding his daughter and taking her to a farm. Seems that both men deserve encouragement for allocating time to spend with their kids during the season. Kirk is also getting cred for being a “regular” guy, but why is that a positive? If I were picking a QB from the show to befriend, I’d choose Pat. He just built his dream house with a basketball court, football field, putting green, and pool complete with a swim-up bar. Why does having a cool house make someone unlikeable? Particularly when it's designed to host family and friends.
It does seem that the media can pick on Cousins a bit, particularly when they come at him for his prime-time performances. He never clapped back at the media over it or called anyone out. This is why it seemed off to watch Kirk call himself underrated, defend his primetime performance record showing all his game balls, and even get snarky when he wasn’t invited to the NFL Honors ceremony. Is that really how a “good guy” would handle things?
Kirko Chainz
Throughout the show, Cousins talked about how hard his job is on his body, mind, and family. By contrast, Mahomes talked about football as a game, being in the moment, and having fun. It’s no coincidence Cousins assumed his alter ego Kirko Chainz during the Vikings' hot streak. It’s that fun energy that fuels the team and the fans. To finally get his hands on the Lombardi trophy, Cousins may need to lean into that alter-ego and have fun.
There is a shot, during the final play of the Vikings' NFL-record-breaking comeback game, and you see Kirk on the sideline shouting that his kicker wasn’t going to make it. I also noticed while the team was on the field post-game, Kirk inserted himself into pictures and huddles with his teammates, rather than players congregating around him. And now after Justin Jefferson omitted Cousins from his top 5 QB list, it makes me question the Vikings’ overall closeness as a group. Is it Mahomes' fun-centered attitude that helps bond the team? It's no secret Mahomes and Kelce are best buds. Makes one wonder if fun Kirko Chainz really is the answer to building up the Vikings team spirit and comraderie finally getting them to the big game.
In summary, I don’t want to be a Cousins hater. I am trying hard to like the guy, but I still have my apprehensions. If I am missing something here please let me know, help me become a Captain Kirk fan. In the meantime, I have some recommendations for Peyton Manning on the show’s second season. The perfect trio 1) Joe Burrow 2) Jalen Hurts and 3) Tua Tagovailoa. It was cool to see all these dads, but how about a peek at the life of an NFL QB who is not married? Also, Jalen and Tua have to be done in the same season so we can finally get that Alabama tea.
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