Falcons HC Raheem Morris defends Michael Penix Jr. pick with eye-opening view

In the latest episode of “Bussin’ With The Boys,” Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris provided a robust defense of the team’s decision to draft quarterback Michael Penix Jr., offering a strategic perspective that places emphasis on both the short-term and long-term future of the team.

Morris’s comments come amid a swirl of skepticism and discussion surrounding the Falcons’ quarterback situation, particularly relating to the hefty contract given to veteran QB Kirk Cousins and how it fits with the drafting of Penix. Morris addressed these concerns head-on, articulating a vision that reflects both the practical realities of NFL team management and a deep commitment to the franchise’s future.

Reflecting on the team’s history and strategic needs, Morris pointed out the difficulties the Falcons faced post-Matt Ryan, a period marked by instability at the quarterback position. “You could say whatever you want to say is to have short-term and long-term thoughts. And we went through a hard time without Matt Ryan, this organization I’m talking about, and personally you know I love Matt Ryan and what he brought to the city,” Morris explained. This backdrop sets the stage for understanding the team’s current quarterback decisions, emphasizing the need to prepare for the future while managing present challenges.

The scenario Morris outlined involves a hypothetical situation where if Kirk Cousins had been the Falcons quarterback since 2012, the team would now be looking to replace a 36-year-old retiring QB. This is used to underscore the necessity of thinking ahead: “And if we were sitting there and we had drafted Kirk in 2012 and he came here and he just finished his career, and he was 36 years old, we’d be in position to look for a quarterback.”

Morris also addressed the significant financial commitment the Falcons have made to Cousins, whose current contract includes a $100 million guarantee within a $180 million deal. He defended this investment as a “short term” strategy, even within the extended duration of the contract. “You just pay a guy $100 million guaranteed, $180 million contract and he says let’s find an answer for a short term, no matter what that short term is right, it could be the extent of his contract it’s still short term,” said Morris.

This financial decision ties directly into the choice to draft Penix, as Morris highlighted the opportunity to secure a long-term solution at quarterback when such a prospect becomes available: “But if you believe in a guy and he’s high enough to that point when you get to him and you can get a long-term answer to that quarterback in Michael Penix which we do why not take that shot right why not take that shot.”

Addressing another layer of complexity, Morris spoke about the challenges of communication within the team, especially concerning strategic decisions such as draft picks that could affect team dynamics and player morale. He acknowledged the delicate balance between transparency and strategic confidentiality, particularly with regard to informing Cousins about the decision to draft Penix.

“The hardest part is keeping in information and being as transparent as you possibly can without having the uproar that you get from those things right. So you can’t potentially tell Kirk that the night before, or while the draft’s going on. You have to tell him when you’re on the clock when the decision is made because what if it doesn’t happen right if it doesn’t happen,” Morris stated.

This approach highlights the nuanced and often challenging aspects of team management, where decisions must be timed and communicated in ways that preserve team unity and focus.

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