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 on the edge of the field. Head coach Raheem Morris told SI.com’s Albert Breer that he decided before the play 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 receiver Drake London on a short tunnel screen. On fourth down, however, the Falcons were much more aggressive.
“We had this planned during the week,” Morris told Breer in a postgame phone call. “Z-Rob [Zac Robinson] is one of the best people in the world at knowing how aggressive we’re going to be, when we want to be aggressive, and when we want to be aggressive.
“He’s always ready to deal with these situations, so when they arise throughout the game, it’s very easy to communicate with one of the best offensive coordinators in the world. I know he only calls him for a short time, but he’s going to be aggressive. He still wants to be aggressive.
The Buccaneers defense played too close to the line of scrimmage on fourth down. That’s one of the reasons Cousins was able to hit tight end Kyle Pitts for a 36-yard touchdown.
Breer described the play not as a clichéd statement that most people would consider a fourth down on the road in a crucial divisional showdown. But it was still a message from Morris.
The figurative message Morris delivered in going for that fourth down, he sent in words after the game.
“I have nothing but confidence in our team and our guys,” Morris told Breer.
This can be a double-edged sword. After the losses, Morris preached that he believed in his passers. Yes, the group that is on track to be historically bad this season.
Sometimes it might take a little less convincing and a little more urgency to try something different.
But Morris won’t be accused of not giving his players a chance to play in the near future. Ultimately, that’s a good thing. Nothing good can come from a head coach or coaching staff who doesn’t trust the players.
There are some obvious things the Falcons need to improve defensively. But with four victories in the last five weeks, confidence seems to be growing in the locker room. This should also grow among the Falcons fan base.
