Falcons' Terry Fontenot on Kirk Cousins' study habits: 'He's like a nerd up there. He's obsessed with it'

The Atlanta Falcons inked Kirk Cousins to a big-money contract last month to solve their quarterback problem. According to general manager Terry Fontenot, Cousins brings more to the table than just steady QB play.

“The excitement about Kirk Cousins is that he’s a multiplier on and off the field,” Fontenot said Tuesday, via the team’s official website. “We know that, so when he gets in the building and in the training room … he truly is (that with) the work that he does.”

Fontenot pointed out that Cousins’ habits, such as sitting in the front of Raheem Morris’ team meetings and taking notes, contribute to creating a better environment as an example.

“Fontenot described him as an obsessed nerd. “He’s obsessed with it,” he added.

The Falcons’ obsession with improvement is just one element of the formula they need to break their six-year postseason drought.

First, Atlanta needs the QB healthy after he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Since the club signed him in March, Fontenot said Cousins has “really hit the ground running” in rehab as well as meetings. The QB is expected to be ready to go for training camp in July.

“Fontenot said that we know Cousins will make the most of any opportunity to prepare himself and reach his peak condition.”

Cousins was heading towards a career-best season last year under Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota before an injury hit. If he can replicate a similar performance this season under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, ATL should be poised to break their run of playoff disappointments.