It doesn’t look like the Falcons will be making sweeping changes to their organization. The jobs of Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot appear safe for now, but someone had to bear responsibility for the disappointment that was the 2024 season.
Most expected it to be defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, who watched over a unit that went from average in 2023 to one of the worst defenses in the league in his first year as defensive coordinator. Lake was a shaky hire when Raheem Morris announced the decision, having no experience as an NFL DC, and it didn’t take long to realize he was in way over his head.
Now, the Falcons are moving on, as the team announced both Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers have been relieved of their duties.
“After a thorough evaluation of the season, and with careful consideration for our team’s future, we deemed these moves necessary,” Raheem Morris said in a press release. “These decisions are never easy from the human side of things and we wish Jimmy, Jay and their families the best.”
The Falcons defense finished 23rd in the league in both points allowed and yards allowed. They were once again one of the worst teams in the league at rushing the passer, finishing 31st in the league in sacks, and were still experiencing miscommunications late in the season that were frankly inexcusable.
The pass rush did provide a glimmer of hope over the final six games of the season. However, it was reported that Raheem Morris was more heavily involved in the defensive game planning by that point, which likely led to the improved play.
Regardless, there weren’t many positive takeaways for the Falcons defense. The unit underperformed considerably after coming into the season with high hopes following some new additions, leading to the decision to move on from Jimmy Lake after just one year.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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