One of the most surprising storylines of the Falcons’ season has been the emergence of the defense, particularly the pass rush, and it’s no coincidence. Ian Rapoport reports that Raheem Morris has been heavily involved in that side of the ball since the bye week.
Since the club’s Week 12 bye week, the Falcons have held opposing offenses to 17 or fewer points in three of their four games, even leading the league in sacks in that span, a feat once thought to be impossible for Atlanta’s pass rush.
Jimmy Lake hadn’t been a play caller before joining Morris’ staff, and for much of the season, it seemed he was in over his head, so this development makes a lot of sense.
Morris didn’t ever coordinate elite defenses in Los Angeles with the Rams or even in Atlanta with the Falcons under Dan Quinn, but they were better than this year’s defense. The Falcons, fortunately, have turned things around.
Of course, it must be noted that the Giants and Raiders aren’t exactly the picture-perfect examples of the NFL’s new-aged offenses, but the Chargers certainly are capable of putting up points. LA is coming off a two-week stretch in which they put up a combined 74 points against the Patriots and Broncos.
The Falcons will have their hands full tonight with Jayden Daniels and the Commanders offense, but this report is encouraging to know that Raheem Morris has stepped in and taken more control over the defense. Under Jimmy Lake’s stewardship, it looked pathetic. Now, it has some life.
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Photographer: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire
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