We know that Arthur Blank intended to hire Bill Belichick as the Falcons’ head coach but finally chose Raheem Morris. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported that individuals surrounding the long-time Falcons owner influenced him.
There were bound to be some significant adjustments if Belichick came to Atlanta. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports remarked that an organizational “ground shake” would have occurred. Blank clearly feels the weight of Rich McKay’s comments.
One of the key reasons Atlanta’s owner was drawn to the idea of employing the greatest coach of all time was to increase their prospects of winning in the near future. Had the Falcons hired Bill Belichick, they would have looked for a seasoned quarterback to contend immediately in 2024.
That is no longer the case, now that Raheem Morris is involved. However, what the Falcons do with the quarterback situation this offseason will be determined by what Arthur Blank desires.
The Falcons signed Raheem Morris to a five-year contract, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter. Even beyond the length of the contract, the hire paints a more long-term image than a Bill Belichick hire, which would have given the Falcons only a few seasons. Despite Arthur Blank’s desire to win fast, making judgments out of desperation is a prescription for disaster.
He appears to have made the proper decision as head coach for the time being, but that trend must continue when it comes to the quarterback decision that will be made this offseason.
The Falcons could still pursue a veteran to give them the best chance of winning in 2024, or they could invest in a younger player in the hopes that he can become the franchise quarterback. There are disadvantages to both.
If Blank compels Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris to choose the veteran way, Kirk Cousins is clearly the best viable alternative. He would provide steadiness at a position that the Falcons have not had since Matt Ryan. However, at 35, the strategy’s long-term efficacy is questionable.
On the other hand, adding a younger talent with more upside, such as Justin Fields, might meet the team’s long-term needs while restricting its capacity to compete in 2024. The Falcons face a difficult decision ahead of them.
The aim should be to combine a stopgap veteran with a long-term option. Pairing a veteran free agent like Kirk Cousins with a draftee like J.J. McCarthy is perfect, but it may not be possible.
Cousins might sign an extension with the Vikings. Baker Mayfield is younger and may prove to be the most capable alternative without making too many sacrifices in the long run, but he is also anticipated to sign a new contract with the Bucs.
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields may be the only appealing possibilities on the pro personnel side of things. The Falcons can go in a variety of routes at the position, but a lot relies on what Arthur Blank wants, which should be the best option for the organization. Seems straightforward, but the club’s owner has already meddled in football operations, and it did not turn out to be a net plus.
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