The Atlanta Falcons are 3-2 after the first five weeks of the season and despite a few concerning areas, the future of this team looks bright under head coach Raheem Morris’ leadership.
Morris met with reporters on Wednesday, providing injury updates, praising rookie defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro and addressing the team’s pass-rush woes. The Falcons head coach said linebacker Troy Andersen is still banged up and is considered day-to-day entering Week 6.
Nate Landman has been designated to return from the injured reserve list and will practice with the team on Wednesday. As for nickel cornerback Dee Alford, he’s still in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Reporters asked Morris about the team’s lack of defensive pass rush through the first five weeks (Falcons rank dead last in total pressures). “You can’t build it all in the same day,” Morris explained. “That’s definitely something we’re focusing on to improve.”
Atlanta has just five sacks this season but Morris attributed some of that to the quality of opponents the team has faced thus far.
“We’ve played in some really tough games. Not to make excuses. But that’s something we need to improve.”
Speaking of the pass rush, second-round pick Ruke Orhorhoro was active for the first time this season against the Buccaneers. Morris was pleased with his rookie defensive lineman’s NFL debut.
“Really fired for him to get out there and get his first reps,” Morris said of Orhorhoro. “Had a lot of production himself.”
In Week 6, the Falcons will play their second road game of the year against the Carolina Panthers. Despite giving rookie quarterback Bryce Young mop-up duty in the Panthers’ Week 5 loss to the Bears, the team will start veteran Andy Dalton against Atlanta in Week 6.
