NFL3 hours ago2 minute read

Raheem Morris Faces His Former Falcons Team in Atlanta

Raheem Morris returns to Atlanta as San Francisco's defensive coordinator to face Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons.

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A familiar face returns to Atlanta

Raheem Morris is heading back to Atlanta on Sunday, but this time he will be standing on the opposite sideline. The former Falcons head coach is now the defensive coordinator for the undefeated San Francisco 49ers. Morris was fired in January following back to back eight win seasons.

During his time in Atlanta, Morris built strong bonds with his players. Running back Bijan Robinson still views Morris as a father figure, while Morris has repeatedly called Robinson the best player in the league. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is also back on the field after suffering a torn left ACL on Nov. 16 last season. Morris praised Penix for his ability as a play action passer who can push the ball down the field.

Protecting Penix is the main priority

Atlanta sits at 2-4 under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. The Falcons are trying to avoid losing three straight games and falling to 0-4 at home. The biggest issue for the offense right now is protecting the quarterback.

In last week's 31-23 loss to Chicago, the Bears pressured Penix on 46.2 percent of his dropbacks, sacked him five times, and blitzed on more than half of his dropbacks. Under quick pressure, Penix has the worst EPA per dropback in the league at minus 1.17, completing just 3-of-15 passes for 17 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. Without pressure, he ranks fourth best with a 0.40 EPA per dropback. Stefanski stressed that getting the ball out fast and running well will be key to keeping Penix clean.

Familiarity and mind games

Because Morris was part of the regime that drafted Penix, he knows the young quarterback very well. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich plans to speak with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees about Morris and his scheme. However, Stefanski called the familiarity overblown, stating that both coaching staffs know each other well. Penix added that he looks forward to seeing Morris again and finding a way to score points against the defense.

San Francisco brings a tough defense into Atlanta. The 49ers allow just 18.3 points per game, which ranks fourth in the league, and 300 yards per game, which ranks fifth.

What it means for the next game

San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons (NFL, Sun, 25 Oct): Atlanta Falcons win 41%, San Francisco 49ers win 59%; projected score Atlanta Falcons 23, San Francisco 49ers 27. Our safest pick: 49ers +4.5.

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL, Sun, 01 Nov): Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 48%, Atlanta Falcons win 52%; projected score Tampa Bay Buccaneers 22, Atlanta Falcons 22. Our safest pick: Falcons +8.5.