October 20, 2020
Interim Head Coach Raheem Morris joined Dukes and Bell for the Coach’s Show on 92.9 The Game. This is the weekly recap and interview by Carl Dukesand Mike Bell.
This being Morris’ first Coach’s Show, Dukes and Bell welcomed him and congratulated him on his first win.
Morris was nothing but complimentary on Dan Quinnand his choices and opportunities along the way. Morris said that “The Brotherhood” that started with Quinn “is big and has real meaning behind it, but the Dirty Bird – is part of our history” in reference to comments he made after the game Sunday. Morris referenced Chris Chandler, Ray Buchanan, OJ Santiago and that 1998 team coming out of nowhere and ending with a record of 14-2. Someone has to be the best, Morris said, “Why Not Us?” This is when I lost it.
Dang you, Raheem – I got chills and teared up a little…..now I am back all in for the 11-0 season.
Morris started his review of the game by starting….at the beginning. The interception at the beginning of the game was the kick start. It was what they talked about all week. Get the ball, score. And they did. Within 6 plays, Matt Ryan found, Julio Jones, who Morris called, “The best player on the planet.” Morris’ second highlight was the goal line stance that the defense put on. “Force your will” on the opponent. Then seeing Ricardo Allen jumping in the air and celebrating, brings life to all facets of the team.
Commenting on Clemson rookie AJ Terrell, “He came in ready out of the box.” In training camp, he was challenging the wide outs. Sunday, Terrell lead the game in tackles. Morris expects big things out of Terrell through the rest of the year.
Asked about the change from the first 5 weeks, Morris said that “These guys are pros with pro mentalities.” He continued to not take credit himself, Morris said that the Falcons have a big coaching staff and that the guys want to come out and show out. The team played like they practiced this week. Dante Fowlersaid during the week that, “Coach is making us uncomfortable.” To that, Morris said, “Really just about practice, how we want to go and finish in practice. The games aren’t going to be comfortable, so who is going to step up at the time that is needed?”
Asked if there was any additional pressure on Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter? Morris has known and been in the league a long time with Koetter, watching him at different teams. Morris knows how Koetter goes about his process, how detailed he is, how involved he is, and has full confidence in Koetter. Morris said, “There is pressure on all of us.”
The team will continue to lay out the plan on Saturday’s, how they want to play on Sunday. Whether aggressive or conservative, the how and the mood. That is how the 4th and 1 play turned into a long touchdown to Hayden Hurst. The vibe for last week was aggressive…..forcing the Falcons will onto the Vikings.
Morris is excited to use Todd Gurley as much as they can. “He is a great guy, a Georgia bulldog and looking forward to playing in front of fans again this weekend.”
Wise words from Morris, he is “Living in the moment” and not worrying or thinking about the changes or drama or future, just planning for next week. A 1-0 mentality each week.
Overall, “Our job is to score then get the ball back.”
#RiseUp
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