The Falcons' season hit another low point on Sunday with a lopsided loss to the Seahawks, dropping them to 4-9 and all but sealing their eighth straight year without a playoff appearance. With that kind of skid, it’s no surprise that head coach Raheem Morris found himself fielding questions about his job security during Monday’s press conference.
But Morris isn’t making it about himself - not publicly, at least. Instead, he’s pointing the spotlight back on his players, emphasizing their effort and commitment in a season that’s been anything but easy.
“You want to give it back to them,” Morris said. “For Kaden Elliss going out there and hurting his arm and going back in and finishing that game.
Those things matter to me, and those players matter to me, so I’m going to go give them everything I got. So, to be selfish to think about my own personal stuff, no, that’s not right.”
That kind of response speaks to the culture Morris is trying to build - one centered around accountability and toughness, even when the results aren’t there. Elliss gutting it out through injury is a snapshot of the kind of fight Morris sees in his locker room, even as the losses pile up.
Since that promising 6-3 start last season, the Falcons have gone just 6-15. And while the team has shown flashes of potential, inconsistency has been the defining trait. The offense has struggled to find rhythm, the defense has had its ups and downs, and the team simply hasn’t been able to string together enough complete performances to stay in the playoff hunt.
Morris acknowledged the weight of the record, but also pointed to continued support from Falcons owner Arthur Blank. According to Morris, he meets with Blank before and after every game and still feels that the backing from ownership hasn’t wavered - at least not yet.
“Support ain’t an issue,” Morris said.
That support could be tested in the coming weeks. The Falcons have dropped seven of their last eight, and with four games left, the pressure is mounting. Atlanta’s front office will have to weigh the team’s trajectory, the development of its young core, and whether Morris is the right coach to lead them out of this prolonged rebuild.
For now, Morris is keeping the focus on his players - not his future. It’s the kind of leadership approach that resonates in a locker room.
But in a results-driven league, effort and leadership only go so far. The Falcons need wins, and they need them soon.