After a promising start to the season, which saw the Falcons start 6-3 and take complete control of the NFC South, three straight losses have brought upon a slew of questions, mainly surrounding Kirk Cousins.
The 13-year veteran quarterback looks to have clearly lost a step following an Achilles injury that ended his season last year. He’s never been a mobile quarterback, but he can’t seem to move at all anymore, and his arm isn’t getting any stronger. There are a number of reasons why the Falcons could turn to the rookie 8th overall pick, but Raheem Morris isn’t entertaining him as an option just yet.
The Falcons first-year head coach and general manager Terry Fontenot put a lot of faith in Kirk Cousins and his ability to bounce back from the first significant injury of his career. It hasn’t worked out, and now they have to answer questions.
When Raheem Morris was first announced as the successor to Arthur Smith, it was met with mixed reviews. Some national media members scolded the Falcons for passing over Bill Belichick, while players, coaches, and executives around the league sang Morris’ praises. What could not be argued is the refreshing energy he brought into the building, a stark contrast from Arthur Smith, who had fallen out of favor with the fan base in large part due to his smug attitude.
However, the cloud of joy that once floated over Flowery Branch has all but dissipated over the last three weeks. Despite investing tons of money into the roster — upgrading the quarterback position, receiver room, and defense — the Falcons find themselves in the exact position they were in a year ago. The improvements overall have been minimal, and it’s fair to wonder what exactly Raheem Morris is bringing to the organization.
Morris is a defensive-minded coach, and the defense has taken a massive step back. He’s known as a motivator, yet the Falcons have entered games seemingly completely lifeless at times. His ability to recruit players and build a staff was also viewed as a plus, yet the players he’s brought in have underwhelmed, and the rest of the coaching staff has been below average at best.
Zac Robinson hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations that followed him from Los Angeles, where he was the Rams quarterbacks coach. But there’s at least hope for him moving forward. Jimmy Lake, on the other hand, has shown little that he deserves to coordinate a defense at the NFL level outside of a resurgence against the Chargers.
So, what exactly has Raheem Morris done well? I would argue nothing, and there’s not much to be excited about in the future unless Michael Penix Jr. saves the franchise. He’s about the only chance Morris has at lasting in Atlanta for more than a few years.
Grade: D
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Photographer: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire
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