FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — 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'll be their first game as members of the Falcons franchise. Robinson joined in January from the Los Angeles Rams. Cousins did so in March from the Minnesota Vikings.
Clearly, neither is new to the NFL, so Sunday isn't a professional debut for either. That's where the importance of their individual firsts come in.
For Cousins, Sunday will mark his first game since tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 8 of the 2023 season. He's eager for that first live hit, free of 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."
And for Robinson, Sunday will signify his first game as a full-time play-caller. He hasn't really let that detail fully soak in just yet, too absorbed in the 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 the pair kind of goes hand-in-hand, too. They've been working together since the offseason program began in April, so they've been able to learn each other's tendencies and communication style.
The latter is likely the most important part of their relationship, especially since Cousins and Robinson will have completely different views of the playing field. While Cousins will be in the heat of the action on the field, Robinson has chosen to call the plays from above in the Falcons' booth.
Any of Robinson's prior coaching experience came along the sideline, so this is another first for him. He did get a taste of what it's like during the Falcons' three preseason games. But he was basically controlling a whole different team at that point since very few of the starters played.
Still, Cousins listened in on the play calls as Robinson operated.
"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."
The praise was reciprocated by Robinson toward Cousins, too.
"Very confident (in Cousins)," Robinson said. "Wouldn't want anybody else leading our team."
The key word there is "our." Both acknowledged the offense's success is a joint effort, one that does heavily involve their ability to mesh not only with one another but also everyone else around them.
So, yes, Cousins and Robinson each have their own important firsts on tap. But Sunday is also the Falcons' first game – of a new season and a new era. And that is the most important first to remember.
"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 to it where you say, 'Hey, we know it's coming, but it hasn't happened yet. We have to be ready for when it does. Stick together. Rely on each other. And make sure we get better from it.'"
