Former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator and current head coach of the Atlanta Falcons Raheem Morris announced that starting quarterback Kirk Cousins has been benched. Despite any familiarity between Sean McVay and Cousins, as long as L.A. has Matthew Stafford it doesn’t make sense to unite the former Washington offensive coordinator and quarterback.
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Cousins has close ties to Rams’ head coach Sean McVay for their days with the now Washington Commanders. It was even reported by ESPN back in 2017 that McVay had a signed jersey from Cousins with the inscription, “I owe you my career.”
McVay at the time described the gift “as special a gift” he had ever received from a player.
There have been rumors in the past that the Rams could’ve have considered pursuing Cousins due to the relationship between McVay and the perennial franchise quarterback. However, those rumors never made sense.
How would replacing Stafford with Cousins be a net positive for the team? While Stafford’s 2024 has been far from perfect, he’s still slung the ball around for 3,400+ passing yards and 19 touchdowns while dealing with injuries up and down the offense.
In comparison, Cousins has thrown for over 3500+ passing yards with 18 touchdowns, and he had a terrific performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he threw for over 500 yards. He also has 16 interceptions on the season to Stafford’s 7.
The fact that Cousins has come back from his Achilles tear speaks to the incredible career that the once fourth round pick has had, but his career does not evenly compare to what Stafford has done for the Rams.
Stafford has won a Super Bowl. Cousins has won a singular playoff game.
Perhaps Cousins can return to a starting role, but for now he’s going to backup Michael Penix Jr. while other teams can ponder if Cousins is worth adding. Regardless of whatever affinity McVay may have for Cousins a reunion for the two seems unlikely.
