West Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons are using their bye week to address key issues in their performance following a significant 38-6 defeat against the Denver Broncos. Head coach Raheem Morris discussed his strategy during a press conference, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health, penalties, and effort as areas for improvement.

Morris highlighted that injuries have been a persistent problem for the team, affecting various units. The break provides an opportunity for players to recover, particularly those who are crucial starters or part of the defensive rotation. "Health is a problem easily fixed," he noted, given the nature of the current injuries.

Penalties have also been a recurring issue since their first loss to the Steelers in Week 1. These mistakes have often disrupted offensive drives, including plays by Bijan Robinson nullified due to infractions like holding or illegal shifts. Morris suggested that minimizing penalties could significantly improve offensive productivity.

Effort was another focal point during Morris's discussion. He acknowledged that better physicality and effort from opponents had contributed to recent losses. Reflecting on the game against Denver, Morris stated: "And we got out-effort'd yesterday." He emphasized that improving effort requires a collective mindset and willingness from the team.

Despite these challenges, Morris remains optimistic about the team's potential: "Everything is right in front of us," he said, stressing the importance of taking proactive steps during this period.