SE Atlanta News

Quarterback Kirk Cousins and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will be experiencing similar and different firsts in the Atlanta Falcons' season opener Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

For both, it will be their first game as members of the Falcons franchise. Robinson joined in January from the Los Angeles Rams, while Cousins arrived in March from the Minnesota Vikings.

Neither is new to the NFL, so Sunday isn't a professional debut for either. However, each has significant personal milestones.

For Cousins, Sunday will mark his first game since tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 8 of the 2023 season. He expressed eagerness for that first live hit without his red non-contact practice jersey.

"In a sick way, you do (want) to get popped," Cousins said. "I'll probably tell the first guy that hits me, 'Thank you,' within reason. It's good to get that taste of blood in your mouth a little bit."

For Robinson, Sunday will signify his first game as a full-time play-caller. He admitted he hasn't fully absorbed this detail yet due to ongoing game planning.

"I'm excited," Robinson said. "You're so wrapped up in every day and every minute of the day with your process that you don't even allow your mind to go to that situation."

Success for Cousins and Robinson is interconnected. They have been working together since April's offseason program began, learning each other's tendencies and communication style.

This relationship is crucial since Cousins and Robinson will have different views of the playing field; Cousins on the field and Robinson calling plays from above in the Falcons' booth.

Robinson's prior coaching experience was along the sideline, making this another first for him. During preseason games, he got a taste of calling plays from above but with few starters playing.

Cousins listened to Robinson's play calls during these games.

"His calm will always stand out to me," Cousins said. "I think it's a good balance for me to have somebody who is pretty steady and doesn't ride a rollercoaster. I think that will be a demeanor that will help our offense to have poise in the noise if you will."

Robinson reciprocated praise toward Cousins.

"Very confident (in Cousins)," Robinson said. "Wouldn't want anybody else leading our team."

Both acknowledged that their success involves meshing well not only with each other but also with everyone around them.

So while Cousins and Robinson each face important personal milestones on Sunday, it also marks an essential beginning for the Falcons – starting a new season and era together.

"We're going to be in some battles this year – together, all of us," Cousins said. "We really haven't been yet, so there's that newness where you say, 'Hey, we know it's coming, but it hasn't happened yet.' We have to be ready when it does happen: stick together, rely on each other, and ensure we improve from it."