So Who Is The King Of The NFC South Now?
March 11th, 2024
Dixie Chicks QB Kirk Cousins.
The golden rule of the NFL is if you have the best quarterback in the division, you have the best team in the division.
(Joe apologizes up front for the folks who truly believe a strong safety or guard is equally if not more important than a quarterback. Your 1960s Wing-T high school coach is rolling in his grave.)
Until about 2:15 p.m. today, that clearly best team in the NFC South would have been your Bucs, baby. That’s because, yes, the Bucs are the defending NFC South champs with the best quarterback, Baker Mayfield
(Joe truly believes there are folks who comment on this site that are so triggered by Mayfield they’d rather the Bucs go 0-16 with poor Kyle Trask than make a playoff run like last year with Mayfield. #Sad)
Well, it is now up for debate who the best team in the NFC South is. Shortly after 2 p.m., the Dixie Chicks signed former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins 36 — and coming off a brutal Achilles injury.
So who is the best team now, the Bucs and Mayfield or the Dixie Chicks and Cousins?
For all the hype over Cousins and hate over Mayfield, it is Mayfield (2-2) who has twice as many playoff wins as Cousins (1-4).
8 years ago today,
“YOU LIKE THAT”
Kirk Cousins erased a 24-0 deficit to beat the Bucs 31-30
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 25, 2023
March 11th, 2024 at 2:41 pm
Good luck to him and his foot. Darby and boyz are coming for your career nerd
March 11th, 2024 at 2:41 pm
We beat Cousins last year.
March 11th, 2024 at 2:43 pm
Mayfield > 36yo Cousins coming off an Achilles
March 11th, 2024 at 2:43 pm
Bucs are top dog until someone does something about it!!!!
March 11th, 2024 at 2:43 pm
I like Kirk Cousins, but I think the Bucs have the better QB. Falcons are a real threat now.
March 11th, 2024 at 2:45 pm
YaYa!!! We’ll kill him! See how he likes that!!!!
March 11th, 2024 at 2:46 pm
Draft or sign some defensive studs and demolish the falcons.
March 11th, 2024 at 2:46 pm
Rednecks in Georgia breed with their Cousins so the signing should create a. Exciting feeling in their loins.
March 11th, 2024 at 2:50 pm
A buddy of mine is a Falcons fan. I just made a $100 bet with him that the Bucs will sweep the Falcons. I expect Cousins to spend a good amount of time on the turf during those two games. Go Bucs!
March 11th, 2024 at 2:51 pm
Mayfield > 36yo Cousins coming off an Achilles
March 11th, 2024 at 2:53 pm
With Cousins’ age and coming off an AH injury I believe Baker is the better option at QB but Atlanta got a pretty decent QB if he can comeback 100%.
March 11th, 2024 at 2:53 pm
The Bucs will have their work cut out from them if Kirk returns healthy. He had 2331 yards and 18 TD’s in 8 games before getting hurt. That would be 4953 yards and 44 TD’s over a 17 game season. Both of those figures would have led the NFL by a wide margin. He’s quietly developed into a really good QB these past few years. Falcons got a really talented team too. They were just a QB away from having a contender. NFC South got a lot more difficult
March 11th, 2024 at 2:53 pm
Older and non mobile qbs haven’t aged well in the nfl
March 11th, 2024 at 2:54 pm
SMB signed with Cards
March 11th, 2024 at 2:55 pm
@toad bowels
LOL
Cousins thinks the world is flat and lizard people walk among us.
I’m not worried about him.
March 11th, 2024 at 2:56 pm
Least we don’t have to worry about cousins turning the corner on JTS lol
March 11th, 2024 at 2:57 pm
At best Cousins is healed by end of April, and worst case sometime in September based off the 6 to 12 month recovery. He was injured week 8 at the end of October and had surgery completed on November 1st.
March 11th, 2024 at 2:57 pm
@DS
Did you not watch Brady tear it up for us for two years at 43 and 44 lol? It’s the pocket passers that age a lot better than mobile QB’s
March 11th, 2024 at 2:57 pm
Should be a good fight for the division seeing Atl was in the hunt without a real QB last year. If he is healthy, he is better than Mayfield and that is no knock-on Baker but he is not a better QB than Cousins. With that said it will be a fight on for the division.
March 11th, 2024 at 2:58 pm
The Falcons had complete trash at QB last year, competed with the Patriots for the 2nd worst QB play (behind the Jets of course) … and they still won 7 games and stayed close in just about every game.
This is as massive of an upgrade as you can make this offseason.
Man, that stinks. I was really hoping Cousins would end up somewhere else that wasn’t the NFC South.
March 11th, 2024 at 2:59 pm
@Dom Brady is the exception not the rule. Did you see Matt Ryan ?
March 11th, 2024 at 3:00 pm
We get a four man rush and hopefully upgrade our secondary (Safety we good). Cover 2 man.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:00 pm
pressure pressure pressure, we need dogs on the Dline to create havoc.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:02 pm
Until about 2:15 p.m. today Baker had no reason to have a chip on his shoulder
2:16 PM chip said hello again
March 11th, 2024 at 3:02 pm
Def. Makes falcons better they have talent old n coming off a bad injury. Still baking with the bucs
March 11th, 2024 at 3:03 pm
I love the whole projected numbers game … if he didnt get hurt.
I would be a male model if I was beautiful and lean.
LMAO. Bring on Cousins. He has had talent and done nothing with it over his years in the league.
To quote Mike Evans, ” Child Please!”
March 11th, 2024 at 3:05 pm
I deff don’t think an offense lineman or saftey is better than having a QB but I do think a pass rusher is just as important. Call me crazy but I’m a defense guy. Bucs 2002 and the ravens defenses have showed you can win SB with great defense and game manger QBs
March 11th, 2024 at 3:06 pm
I am so pumped to be a Bucs fan right now with how good of a deal we got with Baker! This cousins deal is an embarrassment in my opinion
March 11th, 2024 at 3:07 pm
Let’s end this man’s career
March 11th, 2024 at 3:09 pm
Assuming Raheem is as good a coach as I think he now is, the Falcons will be strong contenders next year. Atlanta has some playmakers, they just needed a QB.
The race for the NFC South crown will probably come down to who stays healthy between Mayfield and Cousins.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:10 pm
A source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Cousins’ deal is worth $180 million ($45 million per season), including $100 million guaranteed.
———
We’ll see what the real numbers are, but the yearly average isn’t that bad – but $100 million guaranteed, if true, is a lot of money. These numbers tend to go down a few days after being announced.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:10 pm
Just guessing that ATL would have rather had Mayfield. Achilles are tricky injuries and are even trickier when you are 36 years old. Jason Licht knew what he was doing rather than allow ATL in on the Mayfield action. Tampa will handle ATL twice in 2024. Curious how much ATL will pay for Cousins coming off this injury?
March 11th, 2024 at 3:10 pm
If Cousins is 100% in week 1 then they will be dangerous on offense.
We need to upgrade LG/C & RB with premium picks or FA’s to have a chance to keep up with the talent on that side of the ball. They have the 8th pick as well so they will likely get a premiere edge rusher like the Alabama guy or another elite WR
March 11th, 2024 at 3:13 pm
Last year, Joe was telling us about Derek Carr being the best. Every year is different…we will find out. You never know when age and injuries are finally going to count.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:13 pm
Assuming his achilles heals enough for him to just be able to navigate within the pocket (since he was never a running QB to begin with), this is a good signing for the Falcons.
Let’s not forget we just barely squeeked by them last year, despite having an offense with a terrible QB that completely misused all their best weapons. Now they have a veteran that can bring out the best in Pitts, Bijan, etc.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:13 pm
4 years for 180 million for a QB coming off of an Achilles injury. Glad we have Baker locked up.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:14 pm
Well I would imagine that the 1st Cousins/ Mayfield match up will come early on in the season. Probably a Prime Time event. That’s Kirk’s weakness from what folks say. Good for the Bucs? If Cousins runs up his playoff record to 4 and 4 this season they are in Super Bowl or Hoisting the Lombardi should they lock down the 1 Seed. Falcons odds just went to -105 to win the Division and they haven’t even traded up to draft another Wide Receiver.
Here they go disrespecting again having Bucs 9th to win the Conference behind the Bears even.
Jerry Jones said Cowboys are going All In. Looks like Arthur Blank(check) may be going all in on Steroids.
Suppose Licht going to take another shot at getting better thru the Draft.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:14 pm
Wow, the Falcons are reportedly giving Cousins $90M guaranteed in 2024 (doesn’t mean on the cap, just cash). That is a lot of money.
The Bucs gave Mayfield, according to OTC, $40m at signing.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:16 pm
All the talking heads now saying the Birds are now the best offense in the division. Still no respect for the Bucs…the beat goes on!
March 11th, 2024 at 3:17 pm
All things being equal, Falcons get the edge with a beast at running back…
Hopefully the Bucs will upgrade before the season!
March 11th, 2024 at 3:19 pm
Hahaha I’ll leave this here.
Barkley just signed with the Eagles.
So how is that Danny Dimes contract looking now.
Godwin is as good as gone and likely Winfield too.
Congrats Baker Bois on securing lost decade 2.0
Idiots.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:20 pm
@DS
That’s fair but Matt Ryan was showing a lot more decline than Kirk. Kirk has been getting better these past few years. The Achilles is definitely the wildcard in it but he’s a pocket QB. It’s not going to effect him the way it did a player like Shaq Barrett that relies on athleticism to be productive
Since joining the Vikings in 88 Games
23,265 yards 264.4 yards per game 67.9% completion 171 TD’s to 79 turnovers TD 5.6% TD INT 1.9% 101.2 QB rating
Baker in the same six years 89 games
20,332 yards 228.4 yards per game 61.9% completion 130 TD’s to 91 turnovers TD 4.6% INT 2.6% 88.1 QB rating
To compare these QB’s over a 4 game sample size like Joe was doing rather than the 88 and 89 game sample size is foolish. Kirk is clearly the best QB in the division if he comes back healthy. I know some will label me as a hater but those are the objective facts
March 11th, 2024 at 3:21 pm
Cousins is an upgrade over what the dirty birds had. I still take Baker, the financial risk, and the upside over Carr and Cousins. Carolina will be on autopilot for that #1 pick again next season, while we desperately battle it out with the Saints and Falcons. I will take those odds and while im feeling so positive I will add that we will also find out that not only do we have the best qb in the division, but also the best HC. Its not that high of a bar, but its also not that big of a stretch. Lesgoo!
March 11th, 2024 at 3:21 pm
$45M per year for Kirk!!!???
HAHAHA!
March 11th, 2024 at 3:21 pm
We should pickup RB Aaron Jones
March 11th, 2024 at 3:24 pm
Not a big Baker fan, but Baker PLUS another $15M in cap for other players vs Cousins? Licht knows what’s he’s doing.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:27 pm
Dom – yeah, it’s not even close on who the better QB is, health permitting. Of course that is a big astrek when you got a 36-year old QB.
Said it for a few weeks now, but I didn’t, and certainly now do not think, the NFC South is going to be a cakewalk like it’s been for the last few years.
Also, Derek Carr was injured a lot last year – and while I think he’s a very middling QB, he’s still better than we saw, and again, if healthy, the Saints are going to be an issue.
Finally, the Panthers… and, well, they exist. Actually the one huge worry I had was if they got some legit, real, NFL WRs – because last year Young looked terrible, but watch the ALL22, he almost never had anyone open at all – if they got some WRs, Young could suddenly look a lot better. At least so far they’re still on the sidelines, thankfully.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:27 pm
Its all good after the Bucs miss the playoffs – Bowles will be fired and Baker will get cut because a new coach will want to put his stamp on the team.
Baker is garbage – Bucs gifted him $$ for having a 5 game run, but a chump is a chump and Mayfield is a CHUMP.
You guys got all thrilled about him being the MVP of flag football LOL.
What’s going to be even more interesting is when Trask goes to Carolina next year and both Trask and Cousins light Tampa on fire twice a season for years to come.
Maybe you can watch some of Baker’s commercials to make you feel better.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:30 pm
@Dom a 35/36 yr old qb coming off an Achilles injury isn’t nothing to over look. look at the aging pocket qbs and aging qbs outside of Brady/Rodgers. Rivers, Ryan, Roethlisberger, Russel Wilson, Derek Carr hasn’t had great results
March 11th, 2024 at 3:31 pm
Initial reports are 4 years @ $45M per season.
I’m sure it’s not all guaranteed but it looks like our GM negotiated a great deal for Baler Mayfield.
Well done Jason Licht!
March 11th, 2024 at 3:32 pm
The NFC South is going to be a very interesting division to watch. No matter what one thinks of Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield it seems those two get guys to believe in them.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:33 pm
dang, and I thought florida had the good smoke.
they dank up there
March 11th, 2024 at 3:33 pm
Cousins is a more consistently above average QB where as Baker is a consistently inconsistent QB. It is not prudent to pull stats in vacuum and make a case for Baker to be the better QB. The one stat I care about is Baker is 29 and Cousins is 36-37.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:33 pm
Cousins is quite possibly the best pocket passer in the NFL. The Falcons are now a very very dangerous team. This is bad news for the Bucs but hopefully we take care of business at home this year.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:34 pm
T. McGee Says:
March 11th, 2024 at 3:24 pm
Not a big Baker fan, but Baker PLUS another $15M in cap for other players vs Cousins? Licht knows what’s he’s doing.
——-
I’m not big on Baker either, but I’d personally take Cousins at the bigger salary. He is a step up in class over Baker, and Cousins would get Mike a 1800-yard season (Cousin’s likes to lock on to one guy and ride them – which is what the Bucs should do with Evans).
Just reverse the roles… if Cousins signed in Tampa, and Baker signed in Atlanta, the Bucs would be overwhelming favorites to win the NFC South. Now, I’m going to guess Falcons will be the favorites.
But being the favorites doesn’t mean anything, you still need to play the game, and hopefully Baker can step up and Cousins doesn’t live up to the hype.
None of this is to put down Baker, I think the deal was fair, and hopefully he can play out the entire deal, since it means he’s doing well and the Bucs are winning.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:35 pm
Kirks a much better QB. Plan and simple that’s why he cost so much more.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:36 pm
Bucs, duh! FOH old man!!
March 11th, 2024 at 3:36 pm
Kirk Cousins signs with the Falcants and will be the latest QB to post a big fat L against the Bucs.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:37 pm
The 2015 loss against Washington goes squarely on the shoulders of Lovie Smith. Jameis Winston had an easy QB sneak for the TD that would have iced this game, but instead he was forced to hand it to Doug Martin, where he tossed for a loss of yardage and instead of the Bucs being up 10, they were only up 6.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:39 pm
We will have to see how things go. This clearly makes the Falcons a better team than they were last year.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:40 pm
Cousins deal is initially reported as 4 years – $180M – $100M Guaranteed – $50M signing bonus.
Cousins has been consistently pretty good for a # of years – but I would much rather have 28 y.o old Baker and his deal than 36 y.o. Cousins coming off an Achilles injury – especially considering the $ that Atlanta just shelled out…..
March 11th, 2024 at 3:43 pm
Pickgrin – Just for the record, Baker will be 29, when Cousins is 35 – not the other way around.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:46 pm
I don’t worry about the opponent. This is the time of year for roster building. The Bucs will take care of their business, and so will the other teams. When it’s time to suit up, then we’ll see. Until someone else wins the NFCS, the Bucs are the team to beat. I do expect Atlanta to be more of a challenge if Cousins is physically okay. Carolina will also improve. New Orleans, I’m just not too concerned.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:52 pm
Baker reminds me of “Rudy”
March 11th, 2024 at 3:54 pm
Hopefully we play them in primetime
March 11th, 2024 at 3:54 pm
The division has much more credibility this year than the last couple of years. That’s for sure. But Atlanta will have to scrimp somewhere to be able to afford him
March 11th, 2024 at 3:55 pm
I’m a little disappointed by seeing a bunch of quality players that could help the Bucs being signed elsewhere.
I know Jason Licht likes to sign his own guys first but we need pass rushers, IOL, RB and safety help big time and there was a ton of solid players available.
Oh well…
March 11th, 2024 at 3:56 pm
Cousins is certainly good but he benefited from having Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen to throw too while also having quality offensive play calling with a balanced attack while in Minnesota.
An improved offensive plan and an added quality RB may benefit Baker in a similar manner next season. 🤷🏻♂️
Go Bucs
March 11th, 2024 at 3:57 pm
@ Marine Buc, unfortunately, I think Light is waiting for the second tear of players. Afraid that’s all will be able to afford to look at.
March 11th, 2024 at 3:58 pm
Tier not tear.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:01 pm
If Cousins makes it to game 8 I’ll be surprised. Just never been a fan of his.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:07 pm
Duane in Sanford Says:
March 11th, 2024 at 3:21 pm
Carolina will be on autopilot for that #1 pick again next season,
You could be right based on their Cap Space Available.
Panthers gave up the 4th fewest yards on Defense but just could not score Points. Canales will get Young on track and get him more than one receiver he can go to. Could be MIP in 2024. Can’t get any worse for that Kid.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:08 pm
@ Brandon
You are probably right…
All the high-end expensive talent will go first.
Then Licht will sweep up the left-overs at a discount.
One name I saw available that would be a solid cheap add is RB A. Jones… Would be a great #2 behind RW.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:16 pm
As much as I would like to add a quality, free agent, pass rusher, they may be out of reach. First round draft pick though I want JPJ. Our offense last year was abysmal, and I think a top quality center is a necessity at this point.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:17 pm
“Elite” Baker 30 million in 2024.
“Super Elite” Kirk 45 million in 2024.
“Super Super Elite” Mahomes cap hit 58.6 million in 2024.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:17 pm
Games still gotta be played guys. Falcons got better with Cousins. How much better? We shall see. One thing is for certain though…If we do not get a pass rush from somewhere? They will beat our tails.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:24 pm
Marine Buc Says:
March 11th, 2024 at 4:08 pm
@ Brandon
One name I saw available that would be a solid cheap add is RB A. Jones… Would be a great #2 behind RW
Jones is a Dog and still a lot of Gas left. Was a Big part of Packer success but has been a little injury prone lately. Better hurry because his Buddy Devonte might already be lobbying for Him in Vegas.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:25 pm
@ Marine Buc. Agree on A. Jones. This could provide the opportunity for some two back sets. One or the other could move into the flat to stymie a pass rush and bring the defense forward which could open up the deep ball.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:26 pm
I would’ve been more worried if they traded for Fields, or traded up to draft their future franchise guy. Smith is an old man, and wants to win now. Falcons might have some short term success, but I think Cousins sets their future back.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:27 pm
Time to get LD54 re-signed and then trade for Brian Burns or Josh Sweat…..
I heard the Panthers weren’t asking all that much for Burns??
March 11th, 2024 at 4:28 pm
We have to draft, Penix Jr or Nix or even Milton III……Baker will never be the answer!!!!!
March 11th, 2024 at 4:30 pm
@ D Cone/Brandon
I agree on A. Jones.
If we can limit his touches to @ 10 or less per game he will hopefully be less injury prone.
But the dude can ball when healthy for sure and he should be cheaper than Fournette was.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:33 pm
Surfing the Waivers Says:
An improved offensive plan and an added quality RB may benefit Baker in a similar manner next season. 🤷🏻♂️
Even more so now going up against better offenses we need a running game that can eat up clock and rest the defense
March 11th, 2024 at 4:34 pm
G Buc, agree with the “if he didn’t get hurt” nonsense. Mayfield would still be in Cleveland playing KC every year for the AFC Super Bowl spot if he didn’t get hurt.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:38 pm
I honestly can’t believe they payed kirk that much!!
I guess licht and co earned their money.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:40 pm
First sign LaVonte, then a FA safety
March 11th, 2024 at 4:41 pm
not too worried…but atlanta is looking good with cousins…
their young tight end might just improve now…
london is a bit of a mike evans type…and bijan and the other rb are a great combo punch…
so they’re kinda stacked…
cousins is a better qb, but baker has much more dawg in him than cousins does – and that’s where things even out…
baker and cousins are even at the end of the day…
————————
we have a rough first place schedule coming up this season…wow – all the seemingly good teams are on tap…
i’m gonna say 10+ wins will win the division, and when looking at the schedule. at this point, i’m not so sure we can pull 10 out the hat…but who knows – lots of time until camp begins
March 11th, 2024 at 4:41 pm
Rams recently signed their 2 Guards to combined $99 million contracts.
Was Sean McVay a Wing T HS coach?
March 11th, 2024 at 4:42 pm
BucFanDMV Says:
March 11th, 2024 at 2:57 pm
Should be a good fight for the division seeing Atl was in the hunt without a real QB last year. If he is healthy, he is better than Mayfield and that is no knock-on Baker but he is not a better QB than Cousins. With that said it will be a fight on for the division.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
That is a knock on Baker. Cousins is a dink and dunker. Not saying that he is not effective but all you need to review with Cousins is his playoff career. We will see in 2024. Tampa beats ATL 2x if Mayfield healthy.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:42 pm
cousins should be a nice fit over there in the dome on turf…
wow they paid the man big…
if at some point he withers away fast, a la matt ryan, rah will have issues
March 11th, 2024 at 4:43 pm
Dom, that is an apples and oranges comparison. Baker played at Carolina, a 1 armed season in Cleveland, finished up at injury depleted Rams. Cousins was at Minnesota, a playoff team, the whole time. Big difference. Cousins in no doubt a good QB, Achilles surgery will leave him even less mobile. His success will depend on o-line play
March 11th, 2024 at 4:44 pm
i’m still thinking to bring in rojo for another look see
March 11th, 2024 at 4:47 pm
Mike S, put the pipe down and move away from the computer. The rational (mostly) people are have a discussion.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:52 pm
Cousins is 35 years old and will get $100m guaranteed, $90m in 24/25, plus another $10m in 2026. Wow! What happened to Justin Fields rumors? So much happening. The Falcons can have Cousins. He is a stand-up guy and the team/fans will love him. We have our own stand-up guy and everyone loves him too – Baker Mayfield. This is definitely going to be a hyped up game the first time we play them.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:55 pm
Rod Munch, your evaluations of the 2 QBs is C-, but only above D since you didn’t mention Trask. Tampa beat the Vikings last year in their own stadium. Unless that surgery for Cousins is better than standard, and his rehab ethics superb, he will be hobbled and likely injured by midseason (again). Bucs are still the team to beat and a few pick-ups of veterans or rookies from the division championship game.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:56 pm
@ Boss
I think both Baker and the Bucs got a fair deal.
My prediction was 3 years for $90M with $45M guaranteed plus a few incentives.
He ended up with 3 years for $100M with $50 guaranteed plus a few incentives.
Baker isn’t an “elite” NFL QB but we won a Super Bowl with Brad Johnson. Baltimore won a Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer. Even Rex Grossman took the Bears to a Super Bowl for goodness sake.
We can get it done with a mediocre QB. But we better have a top 3 defense along with a top 5 running game and a top 5 O-line… Then we might have a chance.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:58 pm
HeavyE, the guys that do this for a living and their jobs depend on success, bet 115 million that Mayfield the guy.
March 11th, 2024 at 4:58 pm
@ adam
“i’m still thinking to bring in rojo for another look see”
No – stop it… He was mediocre 5 years ago.
Turn the page please.
March 11th, 2024 at 5:03 pm
One AB Bowels seems to be able to play good defense against is Cousins. I’m good with Baker over Cousins.
March 11th, 2024 at 5:04 pm
*QB
March 11th, 2024 at 5:12 pm
Obviously the Falcons are a better team overall. If they had Cousins last year they would have been in playoff not us.
March 11th, 2024 at 5:12 pm
We’re still VERY EARLY in the 2024 team-building process, and all the NFC South teams still have a lot of NEEDS. Panthers look to be in the best salary CAP shape at this point, but it looks like they have the most NEEDS to fill. Saints are in the worst salary CAP shape, and the Falcons & Bucs seem to be someplace in the middle.
Falcons will probably be our biggest threat this year, but not because of Cousins. Oh he’ll certainly improve their QB play, but it’s their running game & defense that’ll make them contenders. Their WRs are nowhere near as good as ours, but their running game is definitely better. If Bucs can improve our OLine & add a power RB to complement White we’ll be OK.
March 11th, 2024 at 5:15 pm
Raheem will have the Falcons defense improved. I agree that the Falcons on paper are the better team.
March 11th, 2024 at 5:17 pm
@ DR
Speaking of the Panthers – they just gave an offensive guard 5 years $100M with $63M guaranteed.
For a guard?
I understand that you build from the trenches out – but that seems like a huge investment for that position.
March 11th, 2024 at 5:21 pm
@ DR
We really need a better pass rush – if not – we need better defensive backs.
Maybe both…
If we sign one outside free agent this off-season I hope it is a solid pass rusher.
I am not impressed with who the Bucs will probably get at pick #26.
March 11th, 2024 at 5:21 pm
Mike S appears too stupid to even qualify for the local village idiot contest.
March 11th, 2024 at 5:25 pm
Marine Buc … ‘We can get it done with a mediocre QB. But we better have a top 3 defense along with a top 5 running game and a top 5 O-line… Then we might have a chance.’
A Top-3 defense? Top-5 running game? Top-5 OLine? Heck we made it to the 2nd level of the playoffs last year with a #7-ranked defense, a #32-ranked running game, and probably a middle-of-the-pack OLine. I don’t consider Baker to be ‘elite’ but he’s not ‘mediocre’ either. Remember, this will be his SECOND YEAR in the system, and familiarity usually breeds improvement.
I can’t see us running away with the NFC South crown, but I can see us being in contention all year long. We’ve still got some critical pieces to add, but Licht & Bowles have managed to get a LOT done already IMO. And we still have some room to maneuver in terms of salary CAP. They know where the needs are, and what we can do to fill those needs. This is still just Year-2 of what I view as a major rebuilding (go back and look at the roster we ended 2022 with if you disagree).
March 11th, 2024 at 5:25 pm
Problem with Cousins is he’s had 1 playoff win in 12 years and has a reputation of melting down in prime time games. Can’t imagine an Achilles tear is easy to come back from.
March 11th, 2024 at 5:25 pm
$45 million dollars a year for Kirk Cousins?! 😂😂😂😂😂 😭
March 11th, 2024 at 5:43 pm
Bucs should look at RB Aaron Jones
March 11th, 2024 at 5:52 pm
Kissing Cousins…most overrated QB in NFL history perhaps. Paid $330 million to date ( with new contract ) to go 1-3 in the playoffs and even worse on MNF ( 2-10). Have at it, Falcons…hope that gimpy Achilles holds up.
March 11th, 2024 at 5:54 pm
Cousins is a good quarterback but he had veterans in Minnesota as well as very good supporting cast and didn’t take them any further than Mayfield took the Bucs.
I always thought he was a good quarterback but never struck me as being a truly great quarterback. The Falcons havn’t been good for a long time. I really wonder if one player turns it around for them. Yeah on paper they look good at many positions but it is a team game and you need leaders on the field.
The Bucs have leaders with Evans, Godwin, Mayfield, Wirfs and Winfield Jr. If LVD stays, there is another leader.
The Falcons have talent but there is a mental factor to NFL success and I believe the Bucs may not be as athletic as the Falcons but our experience and smarts will overcome some of that young talent Atlanta has.
March 11th, 2024 at 6:00 pm
So the Atlanta Falcons signed a 35 year old QB coming off a horrific torn Achilles, is 1-4 in his playoff history and signs a 4 year 180 million dollar contract. Talk about a risky contract . Tell me again why Baker getting 100mil over 3 years is a bad deal.
March 11th, 2024 at 6:02 pm
Not that far off Bucs fans. We have an elite QB and receivers, a good all-purpose back, and two above average tackles on offense. Need 2 guards and a center. Re-sign David and get him a fellow good ILB. Find one good pass-rusher, another good safety, and two decent cb’s. Seems like a tall order, but it is doable. Go Bucs!
March 11th, 2024 at 6:03 pm
This match up will get a prime time audience now. Sunday, Monday, or Thursday night football.
March 11th, 2024 at 6:05 pm
@ DR
True – the Bucs made the play-offs with a 9-8 record playing in a weak division.
But I am talking about winning the Super Bowl with a QB like Baker Mayfield.
Top 3 defense, top 5 running game and a top 5 O-line. If those things don’t happen the Bucs don’t stand a chance at a Super Bowl victory.
March 11th, 2024 at 6:07 pm
@ DR
On another note IDL Greg Gains just signed a one year deal.
Nice depth piece…
March 11th, 2024 at 6:10 pm
Oh my what a story! Him and Bak getting the big money this should be interesting. And we have superbowl champ Wilson in Pitt for a million..
March 11th, 2024 at 6:20 pm
Marine Buc … ‘I am not impressed with who the Bucs will probably get at pick #26.’
Actually some of our best picks in recent years have come after that. Chris Godwin was a #84 pick back in 2017. Carlton Davis was a #63 pick back in 2018 and Jamel Dean was a #94 pick in 2019. Antoine Winfield came to us as a #45 pick in 2020, and Rachaad White as a #91 pick in 2022.
Where JL has had some problems is with our first picks since he got here in 2014. Mike Evans (2014), Vita Vea (2018), Tristan Wirfs (2020) all have been phenomenal IMO. But Jameis, VHIII and OJ never got 2nd contracts, and of course JTS (2021, Hall (2022) & Kancey (2023) are still with us (the first 2 I doubt will get 2nd contracts). So that’s pretty much a 50-50 record on 1st picks. Seems low to me, but according to Sportradar, ‘only 44% of first-round draft picks from 2011 to 2020 have signed a second contract with the team that drafted them’. So I guess it’s in-line with the ‘average’.
March 11th, 2024 at 6:26 pm
Marine Buc … Good to hear that Greg Gaines is back; we need the beef in the middle. He wasn’t used as much last year as I expected him to be (17 games, 473 def snaps for 42%), but that might’ve been because teams were passing against us a lot more than they did in 2022. Not exactly a pass rush specialist (1 sack & 5 QB Hits on the year), but quite good against the run.
March 11th, 2024 at 6:31 pm
Marine Buc … I have trouble seeing us making a run at the Super Bowl this year (we still lack depth, and that’s critical for a SB contender IMO). But give us 1 more year to develop some of these players, and add several more key pieces via the draft & FA, and I think we’ll have a chance in 2025. I do think though that we can make the playoffs this year IF we can clean up some of our starting ‘holes’ (like Safety, ILB, pass rush for starters?).
March 11th, 2024 at 6:34 pm
You want to be the man you got to beat the man. Woooooo!
March 11th, 2024 at 7:11 pm
Bowles needs to step it up. I think our new offensive coordinator will be better but defense also let us down. Falcons two games less than us with Desmond Ridder
March 11th, 2024 at 7:17 pm
Cousins will be for the Falcons as Wilson was for the Broncos. Bustem baby.
March 11th, 2024 at 8:00 pm
The answer is pretty damn easy. Get some serious edge rushers. No more JTS and White. There some good FA’s out there.
March 11th, 2024 at 9:06 pm
If healthy, Cousins , along with Zac Robinson, will make the Falcons a formidable offense. They have weapons that Arthur Smith horribly underutilized. From just having a smart QB who understands how to read defenses and the intricacies of a pro passing game, Pitts , London , Algiers, and Robinson will be used to their fullest potential. Who knows if this translates to 9 wins for the ATL but they will be much improved with better offensive scheme and play calling. Anyone thinking that Cousins is not an upgrade is not being intellectually honest.
March 11th, 2024 at 9:29 pm
The Falcons got worse with this overpriced signing
March 11th, 2024 at 9:40 pm
For all those who think we should have paid Baker Mayfield less than $25M and not a penny more, you have no idea how lucky you are that Baker is a total team guy and did NOT test free agency. He’s won more playoff games in much more difficult team situations in 6 years compared to Kirk Cousin and his $185M 6 years in Minnesota.
I said this before, Baker needs to fire his agent. And hire Cousin’s agent. For the long-run, Baker’s deal is better for as far as team success goes. But he fleeced himself again. So much for being more mature in business. At least he will have more playoff success surrounded by an overall better team than the Falcons and Cousins. I hope if Baker balls this year and next year, he keeps giving the Bucs more hometown discounts by redoing his 3rd year to stay out of top 10 in pay even though team success would differ with that pay scale.
I still think he could have had the money and a better team with the Vikings. But that division is stacked with Green Bay and Detroit. New Orleans and Atlanta are okay teams but not nearly the competition as the Lions and Packers. Playoffs are what matter to him most. Good for us.
March 11th, 2024 at 10:15 pm
Being that Cousins is coming off a serious injury at the age of 36 helps out the Bucs. Cousins has definitely been a better quarterback than baker in his career, unless baker continues from this past season. People say Kirk is overrated but he’s actually really good just not mobile, but hopefully he’s on the downside of his career.
March 12th, 2024 at 6:43 am
Let’s go bucs . Mayfield and Evans? Working on chemistry. We got this
March 12th, 2024 at 10:28 am
Joe truly believes there are folks who comment on this site that are so triggered by Mayfield they’d rather the Bucs go 0-16 with poor Kyle Trask than make a playoff run like last year with Mayfield. #Sad) That’s me. We would have a new HC, a first round draft pick and know exactly whether Trask is any good or not. I’ll take that all day. Here’s to another year of mediocre play and an early playoff loss if they get that far.
March 12th, 2024 at 12:46 pm
Look, I’m a diehard Bucs fan but please people……. Cousins is an elite quarterback and is being paid as one. He makes the Falcon’s a playoff team. You can knock him for his playoff record if you want but he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. We should be concerned. I love Baker and I am happy he is back but Cousins is the superior quarterback.