SE Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins enters his 13th year in the NFL with four seasons of postseason experience. Several of his teammates have fewer than five years in the league and no playoff games to their names.

Cousins' teammates are eager to learn from his extensive knowledge, and he is willing to teach. "To have a guy who knows the ins and outs of it to make this a little bit easier, maybe raise our percentages a little bit higher to go out there and ball and execute," wide receiver Drake London said, "then I'm gonna listen."

London is one of the young pass catchers Cousins will target this season. Tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson are also on that list. All are under 24 years old, while Cousins will turn 36 in August.

Cousins has been intentional about stepping up as a teacher from day one, according to Pitts. This includes working with each player individually in ways they best learn. For example, while watching film may work for some players, Pitts needs to physically walk through plays on the field to understand formations. Cousins caters to all these needs.

Cousins' teaching style is particularly beneficial as this young group learns a new offense under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. While everyone is mastering the new scheme, Cousins already has some experience with it after working with a Minnesota Vikings coaching branch that shares Los Angeles Rams roots with Robinson.

There are moments when Cousins breaks down plays so effectively that even the offensive coordinator thinks, "He said it better than I did." Robinson noted, "Coaches sometimes make things overcomplicated, and players just need that quick little bit. Kirk's got a great way to explain things. He's just a good communicator."

Cousins remains as much a student as he is a teacher. Earlier in the offseason, head coach Raheem Morris described him as a "nerd" in meetings due to his meticulous note-taking and attention to detail.

"The cool thing with him is having a quarterback that studies so much," Bijan Robinson said. "I saw his little play sheet and his spot sheet... and he throws them into those spots in practice. I'm like, 'That's kind of crazy.'"

Cousins' meticulous nature was evident from the start and continues as the Falcons proceed with their offseason programming. In their first offensive meeting, quarterback coach T.J. Yates recalls Cousins pulling out his notepad and giving an impromptu presentation during what was meant for introductions.

"It was good for the coaches (to see). It was good for the players in the room to open up their eyes and go, 'Wow, this guy's about business,'" Yates said. "This is the guy that's gonna lead us. This is the type of professional and the type of quarterback that you want."