Atlanta Falcons fans around the world have started to call for head coach Raheem Morris to be fired.
After a positive defense-focused draft and signs of progression from their offense last season, hopes were high for Falcons fans going into 2025.
However, the negatives have so far outweighed the positives.
The 1-6 Miami Dolphins came to Atlanta on Sunday evening with the worst run defense in the league. Head coach Mike McDaniel’s future at the Dolphins had been the conversation of a not-if-but-when situation.
So the Falcons did what the Falcons do best – make them look like the 2007 Patriots.
Miami left Atlanta 34-10 winners, moving onto 2-6 and the Falcons dropping to 3-4.
How much of this falls on Morris?
When Morris was hired last January, he had his sceptics; they have ultimately been proved right.
He does deserve some credit for improving the team’s culture and accountability. Players like Jessie Bates and former player Grady Jarrett have spoken publicly about higher standards under his leadership.
Thereafter, it is tough to see where the positives come from.
When the Falcons were shut out against the Panthers 30-0 earlier in the season, fans were frustrated but accepted it. The roster is young, with two rookies in the defensive line and a young, inexperienced quarterback in Michael Penix Jr.
However, when the worst run defense in the league only allows you 45 yards, something is seriously wrong.
It would be easy to blame the players, and Raheem Morris will probably plead with the front office about the team’s injuries.
However, blaming players for the running game when you have Bijan Robinson as your running back, who Morris claims is ‘the best player in football’, makes you look silly.
Zac Robinson on fraud watch
Raheem Morris was put under pressure by the media following the defeat.
He was questioned about the future of his offensive staff in particular.
“I’ve got so much confidence in Zac (Robinson),” Morris told journalists.
The truth is that Morris can defend his man to the hills; results have been underwhelming.
Pundits had this Falcons offense as a top 10 unit in the NFL.
The Dirty Birds had just 11 first downs against the Dolphins, their lowest total since 2008. They did not complete a third-down conversion until 12:38 remained in the game, finishing just 2-for-11 (18%). They also failed on two of their four fourth-down attempts.
Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom and superstar running back Bijan Robinson also defended Robinson.
Ultimately, the blame must land with somebody, and with only two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins, the offensive coordinator will be feeling the heat.
So what happens now?
The Falcons owner, Arthur Blank, has a track record of letting head coaches see out the remainder of the season.
Raheem Morris has 10 games to save his job; he must be able to show the ownership and front office that there is a plan. Morris confirmed on Monday that there would be no firings or replacements within the offensive staff.
Falcons fans will be hoping for wide receiver Drake London and Penix Jr to return next week.
But travelling to an extremely in-form Patriots side is likely going to pile even more pressure on Raheem Morris and his staff.
