Falcons’ Raheem Morris delivers a blunt message after beating the Buccaneers

It didn’t take long for the Atlanta Falcons to execute a specific plan they had on offense for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

On the first offensive drive of the game, the Falcons faced third-and-3 at the edge of field goal range. Head coach Raheem Morris explained told SI.com’s Albert Breer that he decided before the game that if the Falcons didn’t convert on third down, they would keep the offense on the field for fourth down.

That’s exactly what happened when quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​couldn’t connect with wide receiver Drake London on a short tunnel screen. On fourth down, however, the Falcons were a lot more aggressive.

“We had planned that last week,” Morris told Breer during a phone call after the game. “Z-Rob (Zac Robinson) is one of the better people in the world who knows how aggressive we’re going to be, when we want to be aggressive, at what times we want to be aggressive.

“He is always ready for these types of situations, so when they arise during the game it is very easy to communicate with one of the best offensive coordinators in the world. I know he has only been calling this for a short time, but he will be aggressive He always wants to be aggressive.”

The Buccaneers defense played too close to the line of scrimmage on the fourth down attempt. That was one of the reasons Cousins ​​was able to hit tight end Kyle Pitts for a 36-yard touchdown.

More described the play is not the clichéd statement most people would interpret as an attempt at a fourth loss in a crucial divisional showdown. But it was still a message from Morris.

The figurative message Morris conveyed by going for that fourth down was sent in words after the game.

“I have nothing but confidence in our team and our boys,” Morris told Breer.

That can be a double-edged sword. After the losses, Morris has preached that he believes in his pass rushers. Yes, the group that is on track to be historically bad this season.

Sometimes it may take a little less faith and a little more urgency to try something different.

But Morris won’t be accused of not giving his players a chance to play quickly. Ultimately that’s a good thing. Nothing good can come from a head coach or a coaching staff that doesn’t trust the players.

There are obvious things the Falcons need to improve defensively. But with four wins in the last five weeks, belief in the dressing room seems to be growing. It should also grow among the Falcons fan base.