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Kirk Cousins: How Matthew Stafford’s new deal will impact negotiations

By Jacob Camenker

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 10: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 10: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 25: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws a first quarter pass while playing the New England Patriots during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 25, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 25: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws a first quarter pass while playing the New England Patriots during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 25, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Stafford and Cousins are very similar players in terms of output. Still, Stafford has a slight advantage over Cousins because he has been able to produce without top notch offensive weaponry.

Since coming into the league in 2009, Stafford has made 109 starts and has posted a career record of 51-58. However, since his breakout third season in 2011, Stafford has led the team to the postseason three times, has had a Pro Bowl season, and has thrown 168 touchdowns to just 87 interceptions. And that was all done despite the fact that the Lions have lacked a consistent ground game for most of Stafford’s career.

On paper, that may seem similar to the success that Cousins has had over the course of two full seasons as a starter. Cousins has a 17-14-1 record in those two years and has 54 touchdowns and just 23 picks. He too has had success without a strong, consistent running game.

But the major difference between the two quarterbacks is the offensive weaponry that they have had to work with in their careers. During his first two starting seasons, Cousins had one of the most impressive offensive arsenals in the game. Pierre Garcon was a reliable possession receiver. DeSean Jackson was a speed threat down the field. Jamison Crowder was an up-and-coming slot man. And, of course, Jordan Reed was one of the best tight ends in the league when healthy.

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All Cousins had to do was make sure that he didn’t make mistakes. When he was accurate, he was able to find the open receiver and rely on them. Stafford didn’t have that.

For most of his career, Stafford played alongside Calvin Johnson. While Johnson is one of the greatest receivers in recent memory, he couldn’t do the job by himself. Stafford had many underwhelming players cycle in and out of the No. 2 receiver role until Golden Tate signed in 2014. Since Tate’s arrival, the Lions quarterback has led the team to a 27-21 record while completing 64 percent of his passes and throwing 78 touchdowns to just 35 interceptions.

Part of this was the better receiving corps. Part of it was Stafford fixing his mechanics. But in the past three seasons, Stafford has consistently been a top 12 NFL quarterback. Cousins has gone from looking like a top five quarterback to looking below average in big situations. That, and the better arm strength, is why Stafford has the edge despite their similar numbers.

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