Tom Brady’s Perspective on NFL Quarterbacks: A Look at Cousins, Stafford, and Mahomes

Tom Brady, widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, has always had a unique understanding of the quarterback position. After his legendary 23-season career, Brady is now an analyst and commentator, offering his insights into the game he dominated for more than two decades. On a recent appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Brady discussed several notable quarterbacks in the NFL, specifically Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings, Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams, and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Brady’s commentary was insightful, highlighting the different styles and strengths of these quarterbacks while providing a glimpse into the mindset of an elite signal-caller. Let’s dive into what Brady had to say about these three quarterbacks and why his observations are worth considering.

Kirk Cousins: The Overlooked but Capable QB

Kirk Cousins has long been a polarizing figure in the NFL. He’s been a consistent starter for several years, first with the Washington Football Team and now with the Minnesota Vikings. However, despite putting up impressive statistics year after year, Cousins often faces criticism for his inability to win in the biggest moments. Brady, though, sees things differently.

During his appearance on The Herd, Brady praised Cousins for his ability to perform at a high level consistently. He acknowledged that Cousins has often been underappreciated and that his success in regular-season games shouldn’t be overlooked. Brady noted that one of the hardest aspects of playing quarterback in the NFL is maintaining a high level of consistency over a long period, something that Cousins has done despite facing external criticism.

“Cousins doesn’t get enough credit for what he does every single year,” Brady said. “We all talk about the guys who win Super Bowls, and that’s important. But at the end of the day, it’s about being consistent and putting your team in a position to win every year. Kirk Cousins does that.”

Brady’s words speak to the difficulty of playing the quarterback position in the NFL, where expectations are sky-high and even the slightest mistake can be amplified. For someone like Cousins, who doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves, Brady’s praise is a testament to the skill and dedication required to succeed at such a high level.

Matthew Stafford: The Proven Winner in L.A.

Matthew Stafford’s move to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 marked a turning point in his career. After years of playing for the Detroit Lions, a team that struggled to put a championship-contending roster around him, Stafford finally found himself with a true contender. The result? A Super Bowl victory in his first season with the Rams, solidifying Stafford’s legacy as a proven winner.

Tom Brady had high praise for Stafford’s performance with the Rams, acknowledging the quarterback’s ability to step up when it mattered most. In particular, Brady highlighted Stafford’s poise under pressure and his ability to make big plays in key moments, especially during the Rams’ Super Bowl run.

“Stafford’s ability to stay calm and execute when the pressure’s on is what makes him so dangerous,” Brady said. “We saw that in the Super Bowl, when everything was on the line. He didn’t flinch. He delivered. And that’s what makes him special.”

Brady’s insight into Stafford’s mental toughness is crucial. As a quarterback who’s won seven Super Bowls, Brady knows firsthand that the game isn’t just about physical ability; it’s about how a quarterback handles pressure, maintains composure, and leads their team in critical situations. Stafford’s ability to finally win a Super Bowl after years of playing on a struggling franchise is a testament to his skill and resilience, qualities that Brady clearly respects.

Patrick Mahomes: The Unstoppable Force

Of course, no discussion about current NFL quarterbacks would be complete without mentioning Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league. With his arm strength, mobility, and ability to make jaw-dropping plays on the fly, Mahomes has become the face of the NFL’s new generation of quarterbacks.

Tom Brady, who has battled Mahomes on the biggest stage multiple times, including in the Super Bowl, was quick to acknowledge Mahomes’ exceptional talent. He marveled at Mahomes’ ability to make plays in ways that few quarterbacks can, using both his arm and his legs to create opportunities for his team.

“Patrick Mahomes is a different breed,” Brady said. “There’s no one like him in the NFL. He can make throws from any angle, on the run, and he’s always a threat to score, no matter the situation. He’s got that special ability that not many quarterbacks have.”

Brady’s acknowledgment of Mahomes’ playmaking ability speaks to the evolution of the quarterback position. Mahomes has redefined what it means to be a quarterback in the modern NFL, showing that it’s not just about staying in the pocket and executing the game plan. Sometimes, it’s about breaking the rules and improvising to create magic on the field.

While Brady’s style was traditionally more methodical and rooted in the pocket, he’s not blind to the value of Mahomes’ style of play. In fact, he seems to appreciate it, recognizing that Mahomes’ unpredictable nature keeps defenses on edge and changes the way teams approach game planning.

The Common Thread: Leadership and Mental Toughness

Although Brady had individual praise for each of these quarterbacks, one common thread that ran through his analysis was leadership and mental toughness. Whether it was Cousins’ ability to stay consistent year after year, Stafford’s poise under pressure, or Mahomes’ unmatched playmaking ability, Brady emphasized the importance of having the right mentality to succeed as an NFL quarterback.

Brady also pointed out that being a great quarterback is not just about physical talent or statistics. It’s about managing the ups and downs of the season, handling the weight of expectations, and leading a team through adversity. These are qualities that Brady has mastered over his career, and it’s clear that he sees them in these quarterbacks as well.

Conclusion: Brady’s Enduring Impact on the QB Conversation

Tom Brady’s insights on quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins, Matthew Stafford, and Patrick Mahomes offer a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the NFL. His ability to break down the quarterback position from the perspective of one of the greatest to ever play the game provides valuable lessons for both fans and players alike.

As Brady continues to analyze the game he once dominated, his thoughts will undoubtedly continue to shape how we view the quarterback position in the NFL. His perspective, based on years of experience and success, offers a level of insight that only a player of his caliber could provide. Whether discussing quarterbacks who have yet to win a Super Bowl or those who have already achieved greatness, Brady’s opinions will always be worth listening to.