August 23, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline in the course of the second quarter in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Brett Davis-Imagn Pictures ROYALBROAD, Ga. — Raheem Morris’ debut as Atlanta head coach did not go as deliberate because the new-look Falcons misplaced 18-10 at dwelling to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Twenty-four hours later, Morris was prepared to move into Week 2, however the schedule was solely going to get harder. Atlanta will journey to Philadelphia subsequent Monday to face the Eagles earlier than taking up the two-time defending champion Kansas Metropolis Chiefs on Sept. 22.
“It did not go our manner final evening, however at present we have been in a position to reevaluate our plans and speak about our issues, what went nicely and what did not go nicely,” Morris mentioned Monday. “For our staff and ourselves “It is a ‘inform the reality’ second, and now it is the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for simply 155 yards in Sunday’s recreation and tossed his solely landing go with two expensive interceptions.
Cousins, 36, made his first look with the staff after a season reduce brief by a torn Achilles tendon, and the staff paid him $180 million over the subsequent 4 years.
“(Kirk) might be rusty from not enjoying for therefore lengthy,” Morris mentioned. “However we now have to play higher on the place and play higher round him…The evaluation of Kirk yesterday was easy. It wasn’t ok. He had two interceptions and we now have to make Higher choices have been within the passing recreation, it wasn’t ok and we’ll know that.
Turning the main focus to the Falcons’ first Monday Night time Soccer look since 2020, Morris and firm are confronted with the duty of slowing down Philadelphia’s talent-laden offense.
“The entire offense, have a look at these guys, you are speaking a couple of group of well-rounded superstars,” Morris added. “AJ Brown, Saquon (Barkley), Jahan Dotson they simply traded. They’ve the best offensive line within the historical past of soccer. Jalen Hurts was the MVP runner-up two years in the past. We have to get into the lab, and that is what is going on to occur at present and tomorrow. Goal.
The Eagles totaled 410 yards in Friday’s 34-29 victory over the Inexperienced Bay Packers in Brazil, together with 109 dashing yards and two touchdowns by Barkley in his staff debut. Atlanta defeated Pittsburgh 270-226.
Monday was the Falcons’ first recreation in Philadelphia since an 18-12 loss within the 2018 opener. Atlanta has misplaced 4 of its final 5 video games in opposition to the Hawks and hasn’t gained at Lincoln Monetary Subject since 2012.
—Jack Batten, Subject Degree Media
