The Atlanta Falcons find themselves at a critical juncture as they approach the end of the 2025 NFL season. After starting with a promising 3-2 record and securing a significant victory against the Buffalo Bills, the Falcons stumbled, losing five consecutive games. They now sit at 4-9 and have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.
Falcons’ Performance Under Raheem Morris
The Falcons’ struggles have reignited discussions about the future of head coach Raheem Morris. Initially hired to instill new energy in a team that has historically underperformed, Morris’s tenure has not yielded the expected results. Following a lackluster season, he is unlikely to return for a third year.
Coaching Staff and Coordinator Changes
Morris’s hiring of coordinators has come under intense scrutiny. Key appointments included:
- Zac Robinson – Appointed as offensive coordinator without prior play-calling experience in the NFL.
- Jimmy Lake – Brought in as defensive coordinator, but struggled to implement an effective system.
- Marquice Williams – Retained as special teams coordinator, but performance was below expectations.
The Falcons’ failure to secure competent coordinators has contributed significantly to their dismal performance across all phases of the game. Morris’s “CEO” approach to coaching has faltered, particularly in in-game management and decision-making.
Offensive Struggles
Under Robinson’s leadership, the Falcons’ offense has been characterized as predictable and ineffective. Key issues included:
- Inconsistent execution and poor decision-making on third downs.
- Failure to adapt offensive strategies throughout the season.
- Struggles in the rushing game that hindered overall productivity.
While there were flashes of promise, such as improved performance from quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the overall outcome was disappointing.
Defensive Challenges
Lake’s defense failed to build on previous successes, leading to widespread regression across the squad. His eventual dismissal highlights the urgency for a complete overhaul in the coaching staff.
Management and Future Outlook
With significant personnel decisions made during the offseason, including the addition of quarterback Kirk Cousins, Morris’s management of the roster has also come under fire. The Falcons’ coaching staff underwent critical changes prematurely, including the firing of respected receiver coach Ike Hilliard, which led to a decline in player performance.
The Falcons also struggled in special teams, earning the dubious distinction of having one of the worst units in the league. The inability to effectively manage penalties and timeout situations exacerbated their challenges on the field.
Conclusion
The Atlanta Falcons are at a low point, needing significant changes to return to competitiveness. After a disappointing 4-9 season, it seems that Raheem Morris has yet to prove he is capable of guiding the team toward future success. With only Jeff Ulbrich appearing as a positive element of the coaching staff, a complete coaching reset may be essential as the franchise looks ahead to 2026.
Ultimately, the decision-makers at El-Balad must weigh Morris’s record and the team’s trajectory when considering the potential for his return in the next season.
