"Raheem Morris Assumes Responsibility for Falcons' Disappointing Defeat against Seahawks"
Despite the Atlanta Falcons' impressive three-game winning streak leading up to Week 7, Sunday served as a reminder that the NFL can quickly bring teams back down to earth.
The Falcons (4-3) had been on a roll, defeating three NFC South rivals in a row before a lackluster performance in a 34-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at home. The offense, which had been averaging 33.3 points during their longest winning streak in five years, struggled and turned the ball over three times in the fourth quarter. They were unable to score in the final 22:43 of the game.
\"We came out flat,\" admitted Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on Monday. \"And when I say that, I'm also talking about myself. I didn't prepare the team well enough to start the game off on the right foot.\"
First-year quarterback Kirk Cousins had his worst game yet as a Falcon, throwing two interceptions and fumbling in the fourth quarter, sealing Atlanta's defeat.
Despite the disappointing loss, the Falcons are still very much in the race for the division title. As of Monday night, they trailed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by just half a game, while leading the New Orleans Saints by two games and the Carolina Panthers by three.
Next week, the Falcons will face the Buccaneers for the second time in less than a month, following their 36-30 overtime victory over them on October 3rd.
\"Playing against Tampa, we know each other so well,\" said Morris. \"I think it's almost an advantage for them on a short week. But this is the NFL schedule, and that's what makes it so exciting. We can't wait to get back out there and play again, and I know our guys feel the same way.\"
While the offense has been the driving force for the Falcons this season, the defense has taken on a \"bend but don't break\" mentality. However, on Sunday, their inefficiency was on full display as they only recorded one sack.
This has been a recurring issue for the Falcons, as their six sacks rank last in the NFL. They also ranked last in 2021 and second-to-last in 2022 before seeing some improvement last season.
One key missing piece for the Atlanta defense in the past three weeks has been linebacker Troy Andersen. The 2022 second-round pick had a standout performance on September 29th against the Saints, recording a team-high 10 tackles and returning an interception for his first career touchdown.
Unfortunately, Andersen has been sidelined with a knee injury since that game. However, Morris and the Falcons are hopeful that he will be able to return this week.
\"Troy will be practicing with us on Wednesday,\" Morris announced. \"We'll have him out there, get him moving around a bit, and see where he's at. Troy is like a Ferrari, his game is all about speed and aggression. What makes him special is his ability to run and be healthy.\"
