Newly minted Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is only one month into his tenure and has only just arrived in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine -- so yeah, it's still early -- but Morris has been all over social media with comments about the state of the team and where he's excited to build the franchise. That includes some time that he spent with 92.9 The Game's Midday Show with Andy & Randy earlier this week.
What have we learned from the head coach in this short time? Abe Gordon has three things that he gleaned from that conversation that he feels is worth discussing.
#1: “Having to add that QB that can make a difference, that you win because of and not despite of.”
The Atlanta Falcons aren't only making a change at head coach after a frustrating 2023 season, but they're also in the market for a new starting quarterback. Rumors have swirled about who the team could target -- whether that's a Justin Fields trade, a free agency signing, or a draft day splash -- they are certainly in the market.
From these comments, it's clear that Morris doesn't see Desmond Ridder as the long-term option at the position.
#2: “You gotta always prepare for those war-daddies, those guys you want to acquire to your team that may cost a little bit more, that are proven commodities.”
What exactly is a war-daddy? Maybe it's just a team of Jessie Bates', but your guess is as good as mine. The simple assumption is that the Atlanta Falcons could be big-game hunting in free agency.
After the salary cap was officially raised to $255.4 million per team for the 2024 regular season, the Atlanta Falcons will have about $33 million in cap space. That number ranks fifteenth in the NFL, but it mostly means that they'll have plenty of flexibility to make a splash or two if they see fit.
#3: “When you get a rookie QB you’re learning that guy, trying to teach him what his roles and responsibilities are. Acquiring a veteran, you’ll have a guy coming in with some rhythm and some roles, & knows his routine.”
Back to the quarterback? Yes, because the most important position in professional sports deserves two points.
This comment may not have fully revealed where the head coach stands on the matter, but it does lend to the belief that the Falcons could be targeting a veteran. A rookie will almost certainly endure growing pains. Pursuing a quarterback with experience would help this roster contend sooner rather than later.
