CBS studio analyst and former Steelers coach Bill Cowher talks Tom Coughlin’s new role, Colin Kaepernick’s future and two rookie quarterbacks to watch with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: If you were Dan Quinn, what would your message be to the Falcons after last season’s Super Bowl?
A: You just don’t pick up where you left off. There was a chemistry, a growth that took part with that team. When they went out there on Sundays, they expected to win and they have a lot of the same core players they did a year ago. Don’t forget what happened a year ago, just embrace the challenges along the way. They are going to have to get uncomfortable at some point in the season to bring out the very best in them and bring things back in better perspective.
Q: Do you think Tom Coughlin will adjust to his new role with the Jaguars?
A: I think where Tom’s at in his career, he’s accepted that he won’t be on the sideline. He’s got a guy he could relate to. (Coach) Doug (Marrone) is going to be talking to Tom a lot. And I think it’s great for Doug because you get to pick the brain of a guy who has won championships. It’s going to take some time. They have some pieces in place, but they have to get some consistency from that quarterback position.
Q: What will it take for Colin Kaepernick to get signed?
A: Talk. I think his silence speaks volumes. There’s been talk that he’s really passionate about playing football games, but tell me that you want to play, prove that you are willing to do whatever it is needed because you don’t like how you went out. But you never heard that from him once this offseason. So you wonder if this is more about his position and how he’s being viewed and allowing other people to speak (for) him. I have to hear from him.
Q: Would you want him on your team if you were still coaching?
A: I’d have talk to him. If it’s important to you and you want to re-establish yourself and you understand the parameters — that you’ll be paid as a backup — and the questions he has to answer, then OK. I think all teams are dealing with the anthem protests at this point. I understand the message. I don’t agree with the manner with which it’s being done, but I am respectful of everyone’s individual rights.
Q: Which rookie quarterbacks have impressed you?
A: I am interested in watching the Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson situations. You are talking about two playoff teams with two first-round picks (beginning) as backups. Everyone foresees both those guys being starters by the end of the season. That is a very, very big storyline to me as the season unfolds with how it goes with Tom Savage (Texans) and Alex Smith (Chiefs).