Falcons OC Zac Robinson: Shared history with QB Kirk Cousins is 'comfort' for first season

This is Zac Robinson’s inaugural season as the offensive coordinator for the Falcons.

Robinson has taken on various roles in the NFL, including serving as an assistant wide receivers coach, assistant quarterbacks coach and quarterbacks/passing game coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams. Even though this will be Robinson’s first time as an OC, the 37-year-old feels comfortable working with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as they both enter their first season in Atlanta.

“This is my first time doing (this),” Robinson said, via the team website. “So having the comfort of a veteran quarterback like Kirk that’s coming from this type of system, (I) couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Before signing with the Falcons, Cousins played six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (2018-23) and six in Washington (2012-2017). In Minnesota, Cousins most recently played under head coach Kevin O’Connell, who comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree like Robinson. From 2014-16, McVay was Cousins’ offensive coordinator.

Robinson has been impressed by how Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, has been absorbing information from watching film, drawing from his experiences with various offensive play-callers throughout his career.

“Robinson mentioned that his ability to remember things from his time with Klint Kubiak as his offensive coordinator has been advantageous. Moreover, his recent experience with O’Connell has allowed him to apply tactics learned from Kevin over the past few years to our current strategies. While there are still new aspects for him to grasp, his proficiency in understanding defenses is evident,” Robinson said.

The Falcons have commenced their offseason team activities, marking a positive step with Cousins participating in non-contact sessions. As Robinson prepares for his inaugural training camp in June, Cousins expresses confidence in his new OC. Both are gearing up for their debut season in Atlanta.

“Cousins believes that Zac possesses an exceptional understanding of football. He also admires his work ethic and the positive influence he has on others. According to Cousins, the team is making good progress and is focusing on their collective responsibilities. He emphasizes the importance of their joint effort to create a bond and synergy that will make their performance in the upcoming season appear as if they have been playing together for a half-decade.”