Tag: Raheem Morris

Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris reacts on the sidelines against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

After Falcons’ collapse, Raheem Morris says ‘2025 starts today’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

It would have been hard to believe on Nov. 3 that the Atlanta Falcons were going to be watching the NFL playoffs from home for a seventh straight year, but that’s the franchise’s reality.

After beating the Dallas Cowboys 27-21, Atlanta was 6-3 and had a two-game lead and a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. But the Falcons dropped six of eight games down the stretch while benching their $180 million quarterback, Kirk Cousins, in the process.

Despite the calls made by many Falcons fans and radio personalities to dump Raheem Morris, the first-year coach survived “Black Monday” and will live to see another season in Atlanta.

That doesn’t mean this year was any less of a letdown for Morris and the team.

“Obviously I’m disappointed for our organization, our fanbase, for all of us,” Morris said in his press conference on Monday. “But the work has to start today. 2025 starts today and the process has already begun.”

Cousins, who was benched in December after signing with Atlanta in the offseason, is expected to be cut before his $10 million roster bonus is due on March 17.

In his place, rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for 775 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions over the final three weeks of the season. Penix, along with running back Bijan Robinson (1,456 rushing yards, 15 total touchdowns in 2024) and wide receiver Drake London (100 receptions for 1,271 yards and nine scores) will give Falcons fans reason to be hopeful heading into 2025 after an 8-9 campaign.

“Michael Penix in those last three games was definitely a positive,” Morris added. “Pairing him with Drake London and Bijan Robinson, watching that combo get a chance to start fresh and grow will be something you really lean on.

“This is 100 percent an awful day. You hate it. But when you look at those guys on the offensive side of the ball, it does create a certain level of excitement for you. This is certainly a disappointing day because you want those guys to get a chance to showcase what they can do at a high level. We’ll get there. It’s our job to get there.”

Defensively, Atlanta allowed 24.9 points per game, ranking 23rd in the league and representing the franchise’s worst scoring defense since 2021 (27.0 ppg).

Morris didn’t give a definitive answer on whether first-year defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake would return next season.

“We’ve got to evaluate all of our coaches,” Morris said. “We’ve got to evaluate everything we do within our entire program. … There will never be anything that’s the same in the National Football League, whether it’s players or coaches. That’s just how it is.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 16, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris leaves the field after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Raheem Morris on Falcons’ timeout debacle: Not as simple as it seems

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The biggest game for the Atlanta Falcons since their last playoff appearance in 2017 had it all.

A rookie quarterback making his first career road start in Michael Penix Jr. A 10-point Atlanta halftime lead. A late rally to force overtime. Eventually, it added up to a costly 30-24 road loss to the Washington Commanders on “Sunday Night Football.”

After Penix tied the game with a fourth-and-goal strike to Kyle Pitts, Atlanta (8-8) got the ball back with 40 seconds left with a chance to gain control of the NFC South.

Penix completed a 25-yard pass to Darnell Mooney on first down with 33 seconds left to advance Atlanta to Washington’s 44-yard line. The Falcons then wasted 16 seconds of clock, while head coach Raheem Morris still held two timeouts, before snapping the ball again.

Eventually, Riley Patterson missed a 56-yard field goal as regulation expired, before the Falcons fell in overtime.

The question for Morris on Monday was, “Why not use a timeout to save time on that final drive?”

“Would I like that back? Obviously, because it didn’t work,” Morris said in his press conference on Monday.

“But in hindsight, if we can just hit another route and we get a chance to have the timeouts to use, to utilize the whole field on the next throw, then we have a chance to get in better position and make it an easier field goal to end it there in regulation. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way for me. … As simple as you make it seem, it’s not.”

Penix completed 19 of 35 passes for 223 yards, a touchdown and an interception but was outdueled by Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels (227 passing yards, 127 rushing yards, three TDs, one pick).

Ultimately, Atlanta’s chances of ending its seven-year playoff drought took a major hit.

If the Falcons had held serve on Sunday, they would have just needed to beat the Carolina Panthers at home in Week 18 to clinch the division. Now, Atlanta must win and have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6) lose at home against the New Orleans Saints — a game in which Tampa Bay has opened as a two-touchdown favorite.

For Morris and company, everything counts on the rival Saints to pull off a monumental upset.

“At 1 o’clock on Sunday, I don’t think you can (worry about that game),” Morris said of the Tampa Bay-New Orleans matchup. “I think you can only handle what you can handle, control what you can control. So, I think as a professional and what I owe to Arthur Blank and this organization and fan base is to go out there and be completely locked into what we’re doing, trying to win versus the Carolina Panthers.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Raheem Morris ‘pleased’ with Michael Penix Jr. as Falcons control destiny

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After weeks of roster uncertainty and losing football, everything went right for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Following quarterback Kirk Cousins’ benching, eighth overall draft pick Michael Penix Jr. won his first career start, throwing for 202 yards in a 34-7 home win over the hapless New York Giants.

Atlanta (8-7) had squandered a comfortable lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South after dropping four in a row, but thanks to Tampa Bay’s Sunday Night loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Falcons now sit atop the division and control their own destiny heading into meetings with the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers.

Ahead of Sunday night’s massive game outside the nation’s capital, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris liked what he saw from his 24-year-old quarterback.

“I was really pleased with his composure and his poise, his ability to work through progressions,” Morris said of Penix on Monday. “Realistically, it was a pretty clean game at the quarterback position. … I thought he did a great job of taking what was given to him, looking at his reads, throwing to open receivers, and really putting some nice zip on it.”

Atlanta’s eighth win of the season marks its most since 2017, when it finished 10-6. That was also the last year the Falcons appeared in the postseason. A win in Washington on Sunday, paired with a Buccaneers’ loss to Carolina, would clinch Atlanta’s first divisional crown since 2016.

Morris will be squaring off with a well-connected counterpart in Commanders head coach Dan Quinn.

When Morris played at Hofstra from 1994-97, Quinn was a defensive assistant. Morris then served on Quinn’s staff in Atlanta from 2015-20, before taking over as interim head coach when Atlanta fired Quinn midway through the 2020 season.

“It’s always fun to play against your friends, your confidants, your mentors,” Morris said. “From Dan coaching me in college, then having a chance to work together and now having a chance to follow the same path to the National Football League. We have a chance to compete against each other at a very high level with high stakes on the line and in primetime. But this week he’s got to be a nameless gray face and we’ve got to go out there and get a win.”

As for getting caught up in the playoff scenarios, Morris won’t be found monitoring other games.

“I am not the emotional roller coaster guy,” Morris said. “I do not like to watch those games with anything ill in my heart. I found out (Dallas) won when I woke up this morning and looked on the ESPN app. I closed the phone and realized we had the pen back. Got to go keep it.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons’ Morris does not commit to Kirk Cousins starting vs. Giants

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After a trip to the Strip did not instill confidence in the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback play, Raheem Morris was not ready Tuesday to commit to a starter for next week.

Atlanta (7-7) beat the Las Vegas Raiders 15-9 on Monday night despite a weak showing from Kirk Cousins. The veteran quarterback threw his first touchdown since Nov. 3 but was 11-for-17 for a season-low 112 yards, with one interception and three sacks.

In his previous four games, Cousins tossed eight picks without a touchdown over four straight losses. Monday’s win kept Atlanta’s playoff hopes alive, for now.

Morris was asked in a video conference with reporters whether Cousins would keep the starting job this week vs. the New York Giants.

“We just got back (to Georgia), man,” Morris said. “We’ve still got to go through all that process like we always do.

“There’s no secret. We didn’t play well at the quarterback position. We got to find ways to play better. So, you know, all those things we go over the course of the week. We got to do whatever’s best to win against the Giants.”

The other option, of course, is rookie Michael Penix Jr., who was selected eighth overall in April’s draft shortly after Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons. Penix has taken 20 snaps this season over two games.

Morris went as far as to say Tuesday that there would not be a downside to playing Penix, even amid a playoff chase.

“You could never say there’s a (downside) to turn it over to somebody that you put a lot of investment into, somebody that you brought in here, somebody you’ve done some things with, somebody that (has) said nothing but the right things since they’ve been here,” Morris said of Penix.

After the Falcons’ narrow win over Las Vegas, Cousins said it was no mystery that he needed to play better.

“I think the last few weeks I would say I need to play better,” Cousins said late Monday night. “Raheem says it, but it’s stating the obvious, and every week you kind of go through your process and you plan to go out there and play the very best you can. And so, this week will be no different.”

Both 2-12, the Raiders and Giants are tied for the worst record in the NFL, and the Falcons catch them on back-to-back weeks with time running out on the season. They trail the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by one game in the NFC South and the Washington Commanders by two games for the third and final wild-card spot in the conference.

On Monday, the NFL flexed the Falcons’ Dec. 29 visit to the Commanders into the Week 17 “Sunday Night Football” broadcast.

In injury news, Morris said kicker Younghoe Koo is dealing with an unspecified injury. Koo recently was listed on the injury report with a right hip ailment.

“We’ll kind of get a feel for what’s going on and everything that’s happening,” Morris said. “Get a better feel for him (Tuesday).”

Atlanta signed kicker Tanner Brown to the practice squad Sunday, the day before the Raiders game. Koo went 2-for-3 on field goals and made his only point-after try on Monday.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Raheem Morris, Falcons not overreacting to 3-game slide

Posted on | by Field Level Media

A month ago, a postseason return for the first time since 2017 looked well on its way for the Atlanta Falcons.

Following a Nov. 3 home win over the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta sat at 6-3 with a two-game lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South race. Fast forward a month, and the Falcons have lost three in a row and are tied with Tampa Bay atop the division standings.

Of the three losses, Sunday’s was arguably the toughest to swallow for Atlanta fans. The Falcons’ much-maligned defensive front, which had mustered an NFL-worst 10 sacks heading into Week 13, brought Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert down five times in the backfield.

However, Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins threw four interceptions, including the eventual game-losing pick-6 to Tarheeb Still with 1:39 left in the third quarter. In the Falcons’ 17-13 home defeat, Atlanta outgained Los Angeles 350-187, but couldn’t get out of its own way.

In Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a large group of Falcons fans were calling for the mid-game benching of Cousins, who tied his career high with the four picks. The Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in last year’s NFL draft just a month after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.

Despite Cousins’ struggles, first-year head coach Raheem Morris plans to stand pat.

“(Sunday) was Kirk’s worst game or second-worst game in his career having a four-pick day,” Morris said in Monday’s press conference. “But I feel good about Kirk, just who he is and the faith that he has in his ability and the faith that he has to come back and lead this football team.

“… (Cousins) is really accountable. When things go wrong and it’s something that he feels he should have done better, he’ll be the first to tell you. This guy has carried us all year and has put us in this position.”

Penix, speaking to reporters Monday, said he will be ready whenever his name is called but added “it’s not up to me” to say he should step in as QB1.

“He’s a vet,” Penix said of Cousins. “He’s been in a lot of different situations, so I have no doubt that he’s going to bounce back from this and he’s going to be great this weekend and for the rest of the season.”

Cousins, who hasn’t thrown a touchdown since the Nov. 3 victory, will try to rebound this Sunday in Minnesota against a Vikings team with whom he spent the 2018-23 seasons.

Atlanta still controls its destiny in the NFC South after sweeping Tampa Bay.

For the Atlanta pass rush that Morris said “showed a glimpse of what you’d like to see every week,” Arnold Ebiketie tallied two sacks, while David Onyemata, Kaden Elliss and Kentavius Street each recorded a solo sack. Looking to help create momentum for the home stretch of the regular season, Morris said he expects rookie defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (ankle) to return from the injured reserve.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime (23) hurdles over Atlanta Falcons cornerback Clark Phillips III (22) in the second half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Falcons have bye week to heal, reset from blowout loss at Denver

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Following their worst showing of the season, the banged-up Atlanta Falcons are limping into a much-needed bye week.

Atlanta (6-5) was held without a touchdown for the first time this year and allowed a season high in points in falling 38-6 on the road against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

The Falcons’ defense was without cornerbacks Mike Hughes (neck), Dee Alford (hamstring) and Antonio Hamilton (pectoral). Kevin King, an injury replacement, exited Sunday’s game with a concussion. Defensive linemen Ta’Quon Graham (pectoral) and James Smith-Williams (tibia) were also out, along with linebackers JD Bertrand (concussion) and Troy Andersen (knee).

The Atlanta defensive front couldn’t afford the barrage of injuries, as its 10 sacks rank last in the NFL. The Falcons finally reached the double-digit mark in the category against the Broncos when Matthew Judon took down Bo Nix in the final minute of the first half.

Falcons coach Raheem Morris said that Sunday was about more than just an ineffective pass rush.

“We got our butts kicked, and we’ve got to be able to come to grips with that,” Morris said Monday at his press conference. “We’ve got to reset ourselves and get healthy so we can come back and get ready to go full speed. … When looking at yesterday, you can just take a grenade, throw it on the whole game and kind of wipe it away. We didn’t play well in a whole lot of aspects of the game.”

Morris anticipates Andersen, Alford and Hughes will return following the bye week in time for the Week 13 home meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Offensively, the Falcons were held to their lowest point total since Week 3 of 2023, when they lost 20-6 to the Detroit Lions. Younghoe Koo made field goals of 41 and 51 yards.

The Broncos had a 400-226 advantage in total yards, including 105-50 on the ground, as well as more first downs (22-13) though only four more offensive plays (60-56).

Morris didn’t shy away from taking blame for a game in which little went right.

“When you get out-efforted, it’s a reflection on me,” Morris said. “That’s the stuff that I want to be clear and transparent about. We got out-efforted, and I have to be honest about it. I have to tell (the media) the truth, and I’ve got to tell our team the truth. That’s what happened yesterday.

“It’s definitely something that makes coaches furious, but you’ve got to be honest and you’ve got to be able to admit those things to be able to fix them.”

Atlanta enters the bye holding a 1 1/2 game lead over the second-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) and a two-game edge over the New Orleans Saints (4-7) atop the NFC South.

–Field Level Media

Nov 10, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo (6) reacts as he misses a field goal that would have tied the game against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Falcons’ Raheem Morris backs K Younghoe Koo after uncharacteristic misses

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Not much about the Atlanta Falcons’ 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday went as expected.

Atlanta entered the rivalry game undefeated against NFC South opponents, and had won five of six overall. The Saints had lost seven in a row and were playing their first game following the firing of head coach Dennis Allen.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was the way Atlanta lost.

Despite outgaining the Saints 468-365, the Falcons scored on just three of their 11 drives, and usually reliable kicker Younghoe Koo missed three field goals.

Koo, whose 58-yard field goal with seconds to spare beat the Saints on Sep. 29, missed from 53 and 35 yards out in the second quarter, before hitting the upright on what would have been a game-tying 46 yarder with 6:43 left in the fourth.

Although kickers are known to have short leashes in the NFL, Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris’ belief in Koo remains strong.

“When you talk about Younghoe Koo, you’re talking about the guy who hit a 52-yard field goal to send a game to overtime against Tampa, you’re talking about a guy who won the game last time we played New Orleans with a walk-off,” Morris said in Monday’s press conference. “You’re talking about a guy that’s been clutch for us over the last couple of years in big moments.

“There’s going to be times that you don’t have the success that you want to have. We still have a lot of football to play, so those percentages will go back up, I believe, because of who he is, what he is and what he’s all about.”

Atlanta (6-4) still has a two-game lead on the Buccaneers for control of the NFC South. The Falcons now prepare for another playoff hopeful as they travel to Denver for the first time since 2016 to take on the 5-5 Broncos.

Denver had the 8-0 Kansas City Chiefs on the ropes Sunday, but Wil Lutz had his 35-yard field goal blocked as time expired, and the Broncos fell 16-14.

The 20-point mark has been the key for Atlanta’s offense, as the Falcons are 6-0 when reaching that total and 0-4 when they don’t. Morris is confident that the unit can replicate its success this week, despite Denver’s stingy defense.

“I’ve got so much respect for (Denver defensive coordinator) Vance Joseph and what they’ve been able to do on defense. It’s been really fun to watch,” Morris said. “But I’ve got so many expectations for our offense, and our ability to execute at a high level. From Darnell Mooney to Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, to Kyle Pitts, Drake London, we’ve all seen them do things at the highest level. … Along with our coaches and being able to orchestrate a game plan to go out there and attack any weaknesses they have in Denver. I’ve got a lot of confidence going out there.”

On the injury front, Morris said cornerback Mike Hughes (neck) has been cleared after leaving Sunday’s game with the injury and undergoing an MRI Monday. The Falcons are more worried about defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham, who suffered a pectoral muscle injury and did not return.

Meanwhile, linebacker Troy Andersen (knee) made his long-awaited return from a five-game injury absence but Morris revealed that Andersen reaggravated the injury during the Saints game.

“But we’ll get the chance to re-evaluate him today and tomorrow,” Morris said, “do some of the things of that nature.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons’ Raheem Morris wary of Saints, praises their interim coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Everything appears to be falling in place for the Atlanta Falcons, who matched their best start since their 2016 NFC Championship season with Sunday’s 27-21 home win over the Dallas Cowboys.

The Falcons (6-3) have taken control of the NFC South. Atlanta, a franchise that’s searching for its first winning season and postseason appearance since 2017, can improve those chances this Sunday at the rival New Orleans Saints, where a win would push the Falcons to 5-0 against division opponents.

Raheem Morris, who was hired as Atlanta’s head coach in January, previously served as the Falcons’ interim coach in 2020 following Dan Quinn’s firing midway through that season. Now, Morris and company prepare for a Saints team that just made the same move.

New Orleans fired head coach Dennis Allen Monday after his Saints (2-7) lost their seventh straight game. The team named assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi as the interim for the remainder of 2024.

As a coach who knows what an interim staff has to deal with, Morris understands that the Falcons’ opponent won’t have any less motivation on Sunday.

“When a coach gets fired in that situation, it doesn’t mean everything they were doing was bad. Everything Dennis Allen was trying to do wasn’t terrible,” Morris said in Monday’s press conference. “It’s just about applying your message and getting those guys to try to play for you. We know how good of a coach Rizzi is and some of the things he can do, so we better show up ready to go, because we also know what that looks like from the other side.”

Behind a potent offense, Atlanta looks to sweep New Orleans for the first time since 2016. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has thrown for seven touchdowns and zero interceptions over the last two weeks, steadily progressing under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.

“(Zac) has done a great job,” Morris added. “He’s kind of judged based on how Kirk looks and what he does. You can’t say those two haven’t gotten better through every single opportunity they’ve had. What they’re doing and how they’re growing every week has been awesome.”

Cousins’ 2,328 passing yards are good for third-most in the NFL, while his 17 passing touchdowns are tied for the league’s fourth-most. Under Robinson, the Falcons’ 24.6 points per game rank 12th in the NFL, up from last year’s 18.9 points per game.

On the injury front, Morris said wide receiver Drake London (hip pointer) and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (Achilles strain) are considered day-to-day this week. London left the Cowboys game after getting injured on an acrobatic 9-yard touchdown catch.

Morris also said linebacker Troy Andersen, who missed his fifth straight game with a knee injury, was “close” to playing against Dallas.

“I think this week may be the turning point for us,” Morris said. “(There is) potential of getting him active this week and seeing what he can do.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Falcons’ revamped offense continues to impress HC Raheem Morris

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Atlanta Falcons have neither appeared in the postseason nor had a winning record since 2017. You have to go back one year before that to find Atlanta’s last NFC South title.

Sunday’s heart-pounding 31-26 road win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pushed the Falcons one step closer to ending each of those droughts.

Atlanta sits 5-3 on the season, but more importantly holds a 4-0 record against its divisional foes, including a season sweep of second-place Tampa Bay. For the time being, the Falcons are in the driver’s seat of the division, with the Buccaneers one game behind and the woeful New Orleans Saints (2-6) and Carolina Panthers (1-7) quickly watching their seasons crumble.

Atlanta was committed to revamping its offense in the offseason, and the moves to sign quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Darnell Mooney were effective in bolstering that unit. On Sunday, Cousins threw for 276 yards and four touchdowns, while Mooney hauled in four receptions for 86 yards and a score.

“That was probably (Cousins’) cleanest game as an Atlanta Falcon,” head coach Raheem Morris said in Monday’s press conference. “As far as throwing the ball exactly where it needs to go, exhausting his progressions, feeling really comfortable, being decisive.

“I was really pleased with our quarterback play (Sunday) and you can see the confidence in our offense when he’s playing that way.”

Two of Mooney’s best games as a Falcon came in the two meetings with Tampa Bay. He collected 13 receptions for 191 yards and three touchdowns in those games. The veteran receiver, who spent four seasons with the Chicago Bears, is Atlanta’s second-leading receiver behind Drake London.

The Falcons have now eclipsed the 30-point mark in three of their last four games, a total they failed to reach a single time in 2023. Morris knows, however, that divisions aren’t won in October, and there’s plenty of football left to be played, starting with this Sunday’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys.

“The enjoyment part of the win probably ends immediately for us,” Morris said. “You start the process of going upstairs and looking at Dallas, find out what they do well and see what you can try to do better from the previous week.”

Morris also updated the injury outlook for center Drew Dalman (ankle), who’s been out since Week 3; linebacker Troy Andersen (knee), who last played Sep. 29; and defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro (ankle), who left Sunday’s game.

“Andersen is probably going to be day-to-day as we talk about it this week,” Morris said. “He went out there last week in practice, so we’ll see where he is this week. Ruke’s injury is fresh, so we’ll get the results from his ankle injury as the week goes on. Dalman is definitely progressing back towards health. I feel really good about him, so we’ll see where that goes.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Raheem Morris takes ownership of Falcons’ ‘flat’ loss to Seahawks

Posted on | by Field Level Media

As exciting as the Atlanta Falcons’ three-game winning streak was entering Week 7, Sunday was a reminder that it’s easy to be humbled in the NFL.

Atlanta (4-3) had won three in a row over NFC South foes before a lackluster showing in a 34-14 home defeat to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The Falcons’ offense, which was averaging 33.3 points over their longest win streak in five years, turned the ball over three times in the fourth quarter, while being held scoreless the final 22:43 of the loss.

“We came out flat,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Monday. “When I say that, I’m talking about myself. I didn’t prepare them well enough to come out the right way.”

First-year quarterback Kirk Cousins had his worst game as a Falcon, as his two interceptions and fumble in the fourth quarter sealed Atlanta’s fate.

Still very much in the thick of the divisional race, the Falcons will look to put Sunday’s ugly game behind them. Ahead of Monday night’s Tampa Bay-Baltimore game, Atlanta trailed the Buccaneers by a half-game, while leading the New Orleans Saints by two games and the Carolina Panthers by three.

The Falcons, who own the head-to-head tiebreaker over all three NFC South teams, will face Tampa Bay for the second time in less than a month next Sunday, following their 36-30 overtime win over the Buccaneers on Oct. 3.

“With it being Tampa, you know each other so well,” Morris said. “I think it’s almost an advantage for them on a short week. But it’s the National Football League schedule. This is why we all love it. It’s fun, it’s enjoyable. I can’t wait to get back out and get a chance to play again. I know our guys can’t either.”

While the offense has carried the load for the Falcons for much of the year, the Atlanta defense has had a “bend but don’t break” mentality. On Sunday, however, the unit’s inefficiency showed, as it recorded just one sack.

It’s been a common theme for the franchise, whose six sacks rank last in the NFL. Atlanta also ranked last in 2021 and second-to-last in 2022 before seeing a bump last season.

A missing piece for the Atlanta defense the last three weeks has been linebacker Troy Andersen. The 2022 second-round pick had a career day on Sep. 29 against the Saints, recording a team-high 10 tackles while returning an interception for his first career touchdown.

Andersen has been out since that game with a knee injury, and Morris and the Falcons are hopeful to see his return this week.

“Troy is going to practice for us on Wednesday,” Morris said. “We’ll get him out there, get him moving a little bit, see where he is. Troy is a Ferrari, so to speak. His game is based off being able to move fast and vicious. What makes Troy special … is his ability to run and be as healthy as possible.”

–Field Level Media