Tag: Morris

Dec 16, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Falcons prepare Michael Penix Jr., praise ‘pro’ Kirk Cousins for accepting QB2 role

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris came to the conclusion rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. gives Atlanta the best chance to beat the New York Giants on Sunday, a victory likely required to remain in the NFC playoff picture.

“I don’t think anything is ever permanent in the National Football League, but right now Michael Penix is our quarterback,” Morris said Wednesday.

The first-year coach made the move to Penix, the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft, following an objective review of starter Kirk Cousins’ play over the past five weeks. Cousins, signed to a four-year, $140 million contract in March, had one touchdown pass Monday to snap a four-game losing streak at Las Vegas. He leads the NFL with 18 turnovers, 16 interceptions and the Falcons (7-7) did their best to look beyond financial considerations and past season performance in an effort to win the moment.

“I brought Kirk in here with belief we could win a championship with Kirk. For whatever reason, lately it hasn’t looked that way,” Morris said.

“We’ve got to play better at the position.”

Atlanta (7-7) trails the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) in the NFC South race. The Falcons play the Washington Commanders (9-5) on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 17 and playoff position could be on the line if the Falcons beat the Giants and the NFC-East leading Eagles beat the Commanders this week.

While coaches claimed the offense will remain the same, the process of upramping Penix shifted into fast-forward at the Flowery Branch, Ga., facility this week. Morris admitted there’s limited chemistry between the rookie lefty and his top targets in the underachieving offense. One plus Morris called out was Penix bringing more athletic ability and mobility than Cousins.

Morris, who has repeated before and during the season he doesn’t need to be the “smartest person in the building,” said the QB decision was a collaboration that involved owner Arthur Blank and GM Terry Fontenot. He said he’s not worried about Penix staring down the barrel with the playoffs still possible, crediting the 24-year-old with “maturity that goes beyond his years.”

He also credited Cousins for taking the demotion as a professional.

“Any time you take a step down, and demotion, whatever the case may be it’s not going to be met with great appreciation,” Morris said. “But Kirk was a professional. He’s a pro, he’s a man, he’s great human, great father, he’s a great football player. He’s done a lot of great things for us this year. He handled it with class. He’s an absolute professional. I can’t say enough good things about who the man is. Obviously it comes with some disappointment when you lose your job.”

Morris said it’s too early to discuss what the depth chart reset means for Cousins’ future with the Falcons. His 2025 salary of $27.5 is fully guaranteed and Atlanta already paid Cousins a $50 million signing bonus and the majority of his $12.5 million base salary for 2024.

There’s some professional historical precedent to the situation playing out in Atlanta for Morris.

During his head coaching run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-2011, Morris turned to rookie first-round pick Josh Freeman midway through the 2009 season. Byron Leftwich began 2009 as the starter but was sidelined with an elbow injury.

Freeman won his first start with three TD passes, beating the Packers 38-28 to end an 11-game losing streak dating to 2008. The following season, in 2010, Freeman helped Morris flip the Bucs’ 3-13 record to 10-6.

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) as he throws during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Falcons drop opener; Kirk Cousins, Raheem Morris turn page to Philly

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Ten points is not what Raheem Morris and Kirk Cousins had in mind for their opening act with the Atlanta Falcons.

Even with a backup quarterback at the controls for the Pittsburgh Steelers, there was never an evident comfort zone for the Falcons and Morris in the regular-season opener Sunday.

“We turned the ball over in the second half, hitting people in the face and some of the things of that nature. We can’t do that,” Morris said after the 18-10 loss. “We’ve got to play better all across the board – some of the blocking, some of the protection, being comfortable. All those things come into play.”

Morris said frustration from wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts won’t be charted as negatives, but competitors “wanting to make a difference.”

Cousins debuted for the Falcons and was intercepted twice and sacked twice. Pitts scored the Falcons’ only touchdown — a 12-yard reception — and had three catches for 26 yards. London caught two passes for 15 yards.

“All these things are the same. They’re all learning episodes. They’re all learning opportunities,” Morris said. “Whether you win, whether you lose, they’re all the same for us coaches, right? You’ve got to learn from wins, you’ve got to learn from losses, and we will certainly learn from this loss.”

Atlanta led 10-9 at halftime but didn’t score in the final 30 minutes.

Morris wasn’t ready to offer a grade on any individual performance postgame. He said Cousins not being comfortable in the pocket isn’t entirely a Falcons’ issue.

“You know, it’s the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’re a good defense. You got T.J. Watt out there, you’ve got [Alex] Highsmith out there. You’ve got a bunch of good cover guys. You’ve got a bunch of good guys across the board. Maybe he didn’t get comfortable. Those are things you have to evaluate when look at the tape. We’ve got to get comfortable, and we’ve got to do it with an urgent manner.”

The Falcons play the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, an environment Cousins knows well from his days with the Minnesota Vikings and Washington.

He’ll do a self-scout on Sunday night and get ready to turn the page to Philly.

“I’ll watch it pretty quick here to try to start to unpack what took place. Probably send a couple of voice memos to coaches just to kind of give some thoughts that I have, off the cuff, after I watch it. Maybe they converse back, and we just kind of start to begin that analysis,” Cousins said.

“But it’s a process that will go through tomorrow. I never really sleep great after games regardless, win or loss. You just have to move forward now, and that’s the mental, physical, emotional toughness of playing in the NFL you’ve got to have. You have to move forward and play your best football next week regardless of what happened today.”

If the Falcons are looking for positives, they can start with their 36-year-old quarterback’s last outing against the Eagles.

In Week 2 last season with the Vikings, Cousins threw four touchdown passes and completed 31 of 44 attempts for 364 yards in a 34-28 loss at Philadelphia.

–Field Level Media

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris shown on the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Fast friends Raheem Morris, Mike Tomlin start Week 1 with gamesmanship

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Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris flashed a Cheshire cat smile on Wednesday when asked if he was prepared for Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin to unveil a package of plays for Justin Fields on Sunday.

Morris and Tomlin were young assistant coaches in Tampa Bay from 2002-05, and the competitive gamesmanship — and mutual respect — between peers runs in overdrive.

“Mike Tomlin told me to prepare for Justin Fields,” Morris said Wednesday of the Week 1 matchup with Pittsburgh. “So we did. That’s a nice way to make me waste time. He’s a master at it. And he’s conducting a masterclass, or he’s not. And Fields is gonna show up.”

Tomlin named Russell Wilson the starting quarterback for Week 1 following a preseason competition with Fields, but warned Morris he “better be ready” for Fields to play a role.

Morris said “whoever is playing quarterback presents a challenge.”

The fascinating chess match with two veteran quarterbacks at the center of it all plays out Sunday, when a tidal wave of change with each organization is put on display for the first time in a meaningful environment.

“There’s the element of the unknown that always accompanies Week 1 competition,” Tomlin said of facing the Falcons, who have their own talented quarterback — No. 8 overall pick Michael Penix Jr. — available for a cameo behind Kirk Cousins.

You can bet your britches the Steelers’ brigade of talented linebackers, from J.J. Watt to newcomer Patrick Queen, an offseason free agency import from the Ravens, are up to speed on Penix, too.

Tomlin said he and his coaching staff spent extra time on Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s old team — the Los Angeles Rams — to bring players up to speed on tendencies and play-calling patterns. Tomlin now employs Atlanta’s former head coach, Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Morris retained several Smith assistants, and there are ample personnel holdovers that make predicting which punch sequence Smith might dial up less challenging.

In 2022, Tomlin made his affinity for Morris perfectly clear during an interview for the “Pivot Podcast” featuring former Steelers safety Ryan Clark. Asked about diversity in coaching, Tomlin pointed at Morris as an example of a then-assistant coach who deserved to be a head coach.

“I know that some of the guys being denied are in the top 32,” Tomlin said. “Raheem Morris is the best coach that I know and have been around that don’t have a head job.”

This week at least, Morris downplays the past, including the legends that helped define the defense Cousins draws in the opener.

“The history of the group is phenomenal and that’s just the nature of the beast when you’re talking about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Steel Curtain,” Morris said. “But we don’t have to play ghosts. We just play the guys that are on their team now and they certainly got a bunch of good guys that you’ve got to worry about.”

–Field Level Media

Apr 21, 2024; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins throws out the first pitch prior to the game between the Atlanta Braves against the Texas Rangers at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Kirk Cousins takes field with Falcons, moving past injury, draft shocker

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Healing from a season-ending injury and Achilles surgery, Kirk Cousins has lost interest in the draft night conversation centered around the Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick.

Cousins participated in non-contact workouts with his teammates on Tuesday and said he’s on target to be on the field when it matters most. How the Falcons choose to sort out the depth chart at his position after giving him $100 million guaranteed in free agency isn’t an immediate concern for the former Vikings’ starter.

“Always going to be competition in this league, and you’ve always got to go out and earn it,” Cousins said after team workouts Tuesday. “I’m going to control what I can control and also understand there’s a lot that you don’t control. I learned a long time ago that you’ve got to focus on what you can control.”

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris projected Cousins would be ready for training camp based on assessment made by the Atlanta medical team and training staff.

Cousins, who turns 36 in August, had surgery Nov. 1 for a torn Achilles tendon. He shared rehab routines and recovery and healing tips with former NFC North rival Aaron Rodgers, who was weeks ahead of Cousins’ timeline working back from the same injury.

When Cousins first met with media after signing a four-year deal to leave the Vikings, he intimated discussions with the Falcons’ training staff took place before he signed a mere two hours into NFL free agency on March 13. The league launched a tampering investigation that is ongoing, but Cousins dismissed any suggestions of wrongdoing as “innocent” on Tuesday.

Cousins, injured in Week 8 last season, was on the field with teammates on Tuesday and said he felt better than expected.

“It’s coming along really well. Today I felt the best I’ve felt,” he said. “I wasn’t sure when I stood here in March — and I had just gotten here — how much I’d be able to do at practice, but today I felt I was able to do everything I would have normally done. That’s big for that stuff I talked about initially: building continuity, getting shared history together … excited to see how fast we can heal from here.”

An interview on the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast earlier Tuesday framed the Penix draft conundrum a different way, touching on whether he has any animosity for the rookie.

“I don’t think there can be; I don’t think it’s helpful,” Cousins said in the interview. “We’re trying to win a Super Bowl and it’s hard enough. Let’s all be on the same page and let’s try to go win a Super Bowl.”

Cousins spent six seasons with the Vikings and played for Washington the first six years of his career. The former Michigan State quarterback has some idea what Penix is experiencing. He was drafted to be a backup to No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III, four rounds later in the same draft.

He reportedly spurned Minnesota’s bid to bring him back in free agency because he learned the Vikings were keen on drafting one of the six quarterbacks selected in the first round last month. The draft surprise came when Atlanta invested its top pick on a quarterback.

Cousins replayed his perspective of the draft-day conversation he had with the Falcons, who called when they were on the clock to inform him Penix was their pick.

“I think you’re reminded again that there are things you control and there’s a lot of things you don’t control,” Cousins told the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast. “So let’s deal in reality and recognize that fact and then be a steward not an owner.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 5, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Raheem Morris address the media after being introduced as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons’ Raheem Morris, Terry Fontenot: All QB options on table

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INDIANAPOLIS — As the Atlanta Falcons settle in for the NFL Scouting Combine this week, team brass tackled the quarterback question head-on.

“If we had better quarterback play last year,” new head coach Raheem Morris said Tuesday, “I might not be standing here.”

Three straight 7-10 seasons spelled the end of Arthur Smith’s tenure as Atlanta’s coach. The Falcons flitted between Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke at starting quarterback throughout 2023, with neither able to take the job and run with it.

“We’ve got to get it right, and that’s real clear,” general manager Terry Fontenot said. “We haven’t shied away from that. We know that’s critical to get that position right.”

To replace Smith, the Falcons hired Morris, a former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and most recently the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator. Morris said he’s surrounded himself with “19 quarterback coaches” on his coaching staff, chief among them offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and QBs coach T.J. Yates, both former NFL signal-callers.

Ridder, a third-round pick in the 2022 draft, remains on the Falcons’ roster. He threw for 2,836 yards and 12 touchdowns in 15 games (13 starts) in 2023, but he tossed 12 interceptions and fumbled 12 times.

Morris and Fontenot made clear they’re leaving no stone unturned, particularly as the Falcons have an estimated $41.99 million in salary cap space.

“We have so many avenues right now because we have free agency money,” Morris said. “We have the ability to trade. … You’ve got option A, you’ve got option B, you’ve got option C, you’ve got option D.”

“It can be a veteran, it can be a young player. We won’t close any doors,” Fontenot added. “It’s about getting it right, whatever that is. And the cool thing about this year is there are a lot of really good options in all areas.”

The Falcons hold the No. 8 pick in the draft, with quarterback-needy teams like Washington and New England ahead of them.

A trade or free agent pickup could be the likelier play, though Morris was careful to sidestep specific questions about pending free agent Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay) or trade-market possibilities Russell Wilson (Denver) and Justin Fields (Chicago).

“I’ve got so much respect for our fans that I won’t get myself in trouble or us in trouble talking about any particular person,” Morris said. “But it’s really exciting with the quarterback group that’s out there that we have the ability of acquiring. And that’s what makes our fan base, that’s what makes our front office, that’s what makes our coaches all excited to be able to talk in our rooms about those people.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera stands on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Ron Rivera interviews with Rams for DC opening

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The Los Angeles Rams interviewed former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera for their recently vacated defensive coordinator position over the weekend, CBS Sports reported Monday.

The Rams are interviewing to replace Raheem Morris, who was named head coach of the Atlanta Falcons last week. The Rams have also interviewed or have interviews set up with Brandon Staley, Aden Durde and Dennard Wilson. Staley served as the Rams’ defensive coordinator in 2020.

Rivera also reportedly interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles last week before they landed on Vic Fangio.

Rivera, 62, last served as a DC on Norv Turner’s staff with the then-San Diego Chargers from 2008-10. The 2010 squad finished first in the NFL in total defense and second in scoring defense.

Rivera is 102-103-2 as a head coach with the Commanders (2020-23) and Carolina Panthers (2011-19). He also has been a defensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears (2004-06) and has experience in Philadelphia as Andy Reid’s linebackers coach for five seasons from 1999-2003.

–Field Level Media

NFL Kansas City Chiefs offensive line Wanya Morris

Chiefs rookie LT Wanya Morris likely to start vs. Bills

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Chiefs rookie left tackle Wanya Morris worked with the first-team offense on Wednesday.

He’s in line to start for Sunday when the Buffalo Bills (6-6) come to Kansas City after a bye last week.

Head coach Andy Reid said Morris, a third-round pick in 2023, was solid last Sunday night when forced to log a season-high 42 snaps in a loss to the Green Bay Packers. He played eight snaps at left tackle in the first 11 games combined.

Starting left tackle Donovan Smith (neck stinger) could miss the matchup with the Bills, and a one-on-one confrontation with Buffalo pass rusher Leonard Floyd. Floyd leads Buffalo with 9.5 sacks this season.

At Green Bay, Morris allowed one sack and four pressures of quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“Yeah, he’s played well. He’s done a great job in the run and the pass game,” Mahomes said Wednesday. “Now it’s just trying to get him prepared to face a great defensive line with all the games they do and the stunts.”

Reid said running back Isiah Pacheco (shoulder contusion) did not practice Wednesday. He rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries against Green Bay.

–Field Level Media

Jul 31, 2022; Irvine, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris during training camp at UC Irvine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

CPR training aided Rams DC Raheem Morris in life-saving Vegas incident

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CPR training helped Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris rescue an unresponsive 3-year-old in a Las Vegas pool last week.

The child had no detectable pulse when his father removed him from the Encore Las Vegas pool and carried him to a nearby lifeguard, according to Morris’ wife, Nicole, who shared the story on Instagram.

Morris rushed to ask the lifeguard where the automatic external defibrillator (AED) was located and ran to retrieve it.

“When I got back, we had a doctor on site that was able to start the compressions. I was able to hand the AED to him, get it open for him, put the pads on the child, and he ended up being OK,” Morris told ESPN.

Morris credited his recent training on certified CPR and AED use for knowing the process and protocol for introducing the automatic electric shock device. Use of AEDs and CPR training have become priorities for NFL teams since the January incident involving Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who experienced cardiac arrest on the field and was revived by team training and medical staff using an AED.

“I’m just thankful I knew what to do,” Raheem Morris said. “You just never know when you’re going to need that stuff.”

Nicole Morris said the boy was discharged from the hospital 24 hours later.

–Field Level Media

Nov 5, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; The Sooner Schooner enters the field after Oklahoma Sooners score a touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma RT Wanya Morris declares for NFL draft

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Oklahoma offensive tackle Wanya Morris announced Friday that he is declaring for the NFL draft and will skip the Sooners’ bowl game.

Morris, a right tackle, spent the last two seasons with Oklahoma after spending his first two college campaigns at Tennessee.

“These past 4 years haven’t been easy at all, but everyone of you have helped me mature into a better man, player and teammate,” Morris said on Twitter. “… After discussing with my family, I will be opting out of the bowl game and declaring for the 2023 NFL draft.”

Morris is likely a mid-to-late round selection in the draft.

He is the second Oklahoma offensive lineman to declare this week. Left tackle Anton Harrison, a possible first-round pick, announced he was declaring for the draft on Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Nov 13, 2021; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Chandler Morris (14) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

TCU QB Chandler Morris (knee) out vs. Tarleton State

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TCU quarterback Chandler Morris will miss Saturday’s home game against Tarleton State due to a sprained left knee.

Morris sustained the injury in the third quarter of TCU’s season-opening 38-13 victory over Colorado.

“He’s got a sprained knee, not severely strained,” Horned Frogs coach Sonny Dykes said at Monday’s news conference. “It’s one of those deals that will immobilize him for a couple of days. He’ll try to get out any kind of swelling.

“It will be basically strengthening and getting him back to normal. Fortunately, we have an open week next week.”

Max Duggan will start against Tarleton State. Duggan will be making his 30th career start for TCU and has passed for 5,947 yards, 41 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.

Morris beat out Duggan for the starting job prior to the opener.

Morris completed 13 of 20 passes for 111 yards before exiting against Colorado. The Oklahoma transfer passed for 717 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in relief behind Duggan in 2021.

Also, linebacker Thomas Armstrong is done for the season after tearing an ACL against Colorado.

After the open date, the Horned Frogs visit SMU on Sept. 24.

–Field Level Media