The Atlanta Falcons‘ season has been up and down throughout. Injuries, close losses, and different units failing to play up to par all contributed to the inconsistency. With all of that in mind, there has been uncertainty surrounding the future of head coach Raheem Morris. Morris has been the head coach for about two seasons now, but some believe it may be time for Atlanta to move on. However, here’s why the Falcons should keep Morris for at least one more season.
Raheem Morris Proves His Value as Falcons Rally Late in Injury-Riddled Campaign
The start of Atlanta’s season began with two wins and two losses, but once it reached Week 7, things started to go downhill. They lost to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football, 20-10. A losing streak then followed with defeats against the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, and Carolina Panthers. The Falcons were eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14.
After that, things began to move in the right direction for Atlanta. The Falcons won in Week 15 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a comeback led by quarterback Kirk Cousins. They followed that by defeating the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16 and the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17, pulling off a surprise win against one of the NFL’s better teams.
On Sunday, they defeated the New Orleans Saints in Week 18 of their season finale, 19-17. The Falcons ended the season on a four-game winning streak. It appeared they improved after being eliminated from playoff contention. With that late-season surge, this may have proven that Raheem Morris and company can win important games and rally the team together.
Injuries Plagued the Season
Not every issue the Falcons faced this season was Morris’ fault. Some of his on-field decision-making has not been ideal, but that does not account for the extent of the injuries Atlanta endured. Most notably, starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was injured in their Week 11 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, which was later revealed to be a torn ACL. In the same game, star wide receiver Drake London injured his knee, sidelining him for four straight games.
If the Falcons had started the season the way they finished it, they could have been a playoff team, especially with the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers struggling late. If Atlanta decides to retain Morris, the season will need to begin better than it has in recent years.
