If Desmond Ridder had proven to be a capable starting NFL quarterback, former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith might have still his old job. But that didn’t happen, and the underwhelming Falcons cleaned house as a result.
New coach Raheem Morris is keenly aware of why he was hired as Smith’s predecessor.
During his 2024 NFL combine press conference, Morris discussed what the Falcons might be planning at quarterback this fall. He didn’t mince words when he said that poor quarterback play was the reason he was standing at the podium in the first place. (Ideally, he and the rest of his staff are clsoely watching some of the dudes throwing in Indianapolis this week.)
In other words, if Morris doesn’t help the Falcons get the position right this time around, he could have a similar fate to Smith:
Raheem Morris: “If we had better quarterback play last year in Atlanta I might not be standing here.”
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) February 27, 2024
The Falcons aren’t in a terrible spot. There is a lot of talent on this roster, especially three former top-10 picks in Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. There is a very feasible reality where Atlanta pushes for a playoff spot and perhaps even the NFC South division title in 2024.
But that probably only happens with a quarterback worth his salt. The clock is ticking on Morris and his new coaching regime. He better get it right.
