Falcons’ Morris Aims to Emulate Rams’ Success Ahead of Key Matchup

ATLANTA (AP) — As the Atlanta Falcons prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night, head coach Raheem Morris is striving to instill the winning mentality that has characterized the Rams under coach Sean McVay. The Rams, with a record of 11-4, are vying for a stronger playoff position, while the Falcons sit at 6-9, extending their playoff drought to eight seasons.

Morris, who served as the Rams’ defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2023, acknowledges the challenges of replicating the Rams’ success. “We definitely mimic and mock a lot of things that they do and want to continue to do that,” he stated regarding his team’s preparations. Despite a less-than-ideal season, including a record of 14-18 under Morris, the Falcons have shown resilience, recently securing back-to-back victories against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Arizona Cardinals. A win over the Rams could bolster Morris’s case for continuing as head coach in Atlanta.

The Rams are looking to bounce back from a narrow 38-37 overtime defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. They currently lead the NFL in scoring and total offense, with quarterback Matthew Stafford leading the league in touchdown passes with 40, passing yards at 4,179, and a passer rating of 112.1. Wide receiver Puka Nacua has been particularly impressive, recording 114 receptions, the highest in the NFL.

On the other hand, the Falcons are adapting to life without quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who suffered a season-ending knee injury. Despite this setback, running back Bijan Robinson has emerged as a standout player, currently leading the league in scrimmage yards.

Strategic Considerations and Draft Implications

Morris recognizes the need for a balanced approach when emulating the Rams’ style. “You steal what you steal from the Rams and you move on and you form your own identity,” he explained. This strategic mindset is particularly critical as the Rams also face implications beyond their playoff aspirations. A victory against the Falcons would not only enhance their playoff positioning but could also improve the 2026 first-round draft pick they acquired from Atlanta. This pick, obtained when the Falcons traded their 2026 first-round selection to draft edge rusher James Pearce Jr. at No. 26 overall, could potentially land in the top ten if the Rams secure a win.

Both Pearce and fellow rookie Jalon Walker, drafted at No. 15 overall, have made significant impacts, leading all NFL rookies in sacks with 8.5 and 5.5, respectively. The Falcons have seen a remarkable turnaround in their defensive performance this season, ranking second in the league with 50 sacks after finishing near the bottom last season.

Morris expressed satisfaction with the trade, stating, “So, us getting X (Watts) in the third and James Pearce joining for a first-round pick, sign me up.”

Player Updates and Game Dynamics

In terms of player updates, Morris reported that Penix is currently rehabilitating at the team’s practice facility following surgery to repair a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. While he refrained from providing a specific timeline for Penix’s recovery, he indicated that the rehabilitation process is proceeding as expected.

As the Falcons gear up for this important matchup, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who previously worked with McVay, reflected on the significance of facing his former team. “It’s a cool opportunity,” Robinson noted. “We’re playing arguably the best team in football. For our guys to go shoot their shot and cut it loose on Monday night against a great opponent, I think is a cool challenge.”

On the Rams’ side, McVay downplayed the potential impact of the draft pick implications on their game strategy, stating that it “doesn’t have any effect on our approach to this game.”

As the teams prepare for the Monday night clash, they face logistical challenges as well. The Rams shifted their practice venue to SoFi Stadium due to inclement weather. Stafford commented on the travel conditions, noting that the journey was manageable despite the notorious holiday traffic in the area.

With both teams having much to play for, the upcoming game promises to be a significant event, highlighting the intertwining narratives of ambition, strategy, and the quest for identity in the competitive landscape of the NFL.