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FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons assistant head coach/defensive passing game coordinator Raheem Morris used to be on the other sidelines as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-2011.
After a stint as Washington’s defensive backs coach from 2012-2014, Morris was hired by new Falcons head coach Dan Quinn.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
“We are getting these guys ready to go out there and compete,” Morris said. “That’s been a high priority for us. See who wants to go out there and compete. See who wants to go out there and strain. See who goes out there and show grit. We really like what we are seeing from our guys.”
The Falcons are set to wrap up OTAs this week and then have their mandatory minicamp Tuesday through Thursday. They’ll reconvene in late July for the start of training camp.
“It’s been a fun experience coming out here,” Morris said. “We feel like we went out there and we won phase one. We feel like we won phase two and we’re winning at phase three. Now, we’re going to go out there and let these guys compete to be their very best self and I think they are doing that.”
Phillip Adams, a free agent signee, is an intriguing player. He’s bounced around the league, but is getting ready to compete for the nickel back position.
“He has a lot of familiar with (secondary senior assistant coach) Marquand (Manuel) and coach Quinn from being out there in Seattle with those guys,” Morris said. “So he has a lot of familiarity with the system. He’s a guy that we knew would bring that competitive nature that we love about him. There is a toughness that we love about him.”
Morris has been pleased with the work on Robert Alford and Desmond Trufant.
“Robert is the ultimate competitor, “Morris said. “He wants it as bad as anybody as I’ve ever seen. I’m loving how he’s going out there and competing every single day.”
Trufant, after a strong second season, is oozing with confidence.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
“Trufant has impressed me even more off the field and then just his on the field mentality,” Morris said. “How he is in the meeting rooms with his above the neck preparation. How he goes about his business, some of those things have been really impressive for me about Trufant.
“He can answer a (defensive) line question. He can answer a linebacker question. He can answer a secondary question – safety or corner. That type of pedigree and that type of background is something that I didn’t know about and is something that I’m pleasantly surprised at seeing.”
Morris can’t wait to see rookie Jalen Collins on the field working in the defensive scheme. He returned to individual drills on Tuesday from his foot injury.
“He’s been very impressive as well in the class room,” Morris said. “Now, he’s getting out there and is able to do some individual work finally. He’s going out there and trying to get after it a little bit. I’m looking forward to seeing him do a little bit more. He’s showing great confidence, which is always important coming into this league. Hopefully, he can keep that confidence and go out there and play some football.”
The Falcons, who also welcomed strong safety William Moore back this week from shoulder surgery, must find a free safety.
“We have to figure out who’s going to go back there and get it done,” Morris said. “Right now, we are trying to teach everybody what the requirements of the job are like tackling people, getting them on the ground, covering ground, all of those things are very important. All of those things will be coveted. That decision will be made when we get to training camp and when we get to the (exhibition) season. Right now the preparation is happening.”
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