How Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins built bonds with receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney and tight end Kyle Pitts.
As the Falcons prepared for the first day of their offseason program April 2, Cousins approached a trio of his top pass catchers - tight end
Morris's first break came from Gruden. They spent six years together, and Gruden emerged as a mentor for Morris during his maturation process. They won a Super Bowl in 2002. Their families are close - Morris saw a picture of Gruden and his wife, Cindy, from the trip. "I think anytime that you can get around great football people, with great football knowledge, you take full advantage of it."Upon arrival and introductions, the Falcons' quartet entered Gruden's film room. Cousins led the session, though Gruden interjected himself to show what he had in mind.
Among them was Art Monk, a Hall of Fame wide receiver known as the father of the choice route who played 16 years from 1980-95. His final year came with the Philadelphia Eagles, Gruden's first year as offensive coordinator."I learned that, and I was like, 'ooh,'" Pitts said. "I didn't even know they had film at that time."
For the 26-year-old Mooney, 23-year-old Pitts and 22-year-old London, the football acumen of Gruden and Cousins created an environment well suited for absorbing information. The age gap between the 35-year-old Cousins and the plethora of young playmakers around him was a hot topic during OTAs. Second year running back Bijan Robinson, 22, joked Cousins is old enough to be his dad.
"Honestly, it's a blessing. I hope someday that gap is even bigger because it means I'm still playing and still connecting." "I think that trip was a nice break in the ice," Mooney said. "We talked about some things that you normally never talk about, like what frustrates you? What's something you hate? So, it's some things you dislike and things you love and things you learn about a person outside of football.
"It was eye-opening," London said. "I think it broke down a barrier between all of us that was needed. I think we all have that same goal at the end of the day and that fires me up, so I'm excited about that."
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