FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — When the Atlanta Falcons host the Pittsburgh Steelers within the regular-season opener Sunday, veteran quarterbacks wanting to make a press release with their new groups are middle stage.
For Atlanta, all eyes shall be on the revamped offense led by 36-year-old quarterback Kirk Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract in March to depart Minnesota.
The four-time Professional Bowler threw for two,331 yards and 18 touchdowns in eight video games with the Vikings in 2023 earlier than tearing his Achilles. Cousins replaces Desmond Ridder in Atlanta.
The offseason additions have the Falcons within the dialog within the NFC South as they vie for his or her first profitable season and postseason look since 2017.
“I am very conscious of the notion proper now that our offense goes to be actually nice,” Cousins stated. “We have all these nice gamers, however that is solely notion. It is our job to make it actuality. Till we go on the sphere and do it, I do not really feel any assurance on that.”
Sunday marks the beginning of a brand new period on the Atlanta sideline. Raheem Morris was named Falcons head coach in January. Morris was beforehand Atlanta’s interim coach for the ultimate 11 video games of 2020, going 4-7, in addition to main the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 17-31 report from 2009-11.
Morris, 48, was employed following three seasons because the Rams defensive coordinator.Assuming the position as head coach for the primary time for the reason that finish of the 2020 season, Morris hasn’t let the second get to him however is aware of what’s coming Sunday.
“My jitters normally do not hit till proper earlier than the nationwide anthem,” Morris stated. “I do not know if it is the emotion of the anthem or what, however a grayness hits you and also you’re able to go play. Within the preparation of all of it, you construct a lot confidence in your course of that you just really feel actually calm about the way you wish to go about your small business.”
Morris will face off in opposition to a former colleague in Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. The 2 have been defensive assistants collectively in Tampa from 2002-05 and stay pals.
Tomlin and the Steelers will roll out a new-look offense headed up by former Falcons coach Arthur Smith and a brand new quarterback.
Russell Wilson, who was launched by the Denver Broncos, was named the starter final week over Justin Fields, who as acquired from the Bears.
Wilson, a nine-time Professional Bowl choice and a Tremendous Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks, received the beginning job within the offseason and seems prepared to guide Pittsburgh in a aggressive AFC North.
“I am tremendous excited to be right here,” Wilson stated. “Clearly, I got here right here to assist us win. That is the main focus. I feel the very best half is how laborious we have labored from OTA’s to Latrobe (coaching camp). We have a terrific season forward of us.”
After a legendary Seahawks profession, Wilson spent a pair of tumultuous seasons in Denver, the place he was benched for the final two weeks of 2023 as a means for the Broncos to “protect monetary flexibility.” Wilson then signed a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimal with Pittsburgh.
The all-time collection between the Falcons and Steelers has been largely one-sided, with Pittsburgh holding a 15-2-1 edge. Atlanta’s final win was on Oct. 22, 2006.
In Wednesday’s damage report, Morris famous that linebacker Nate Landman (quad) and tight finish Kyle Pitts (hamstring) have been each restricted Wednesday. Morris stated he is not involved about Pitts’ standing for Week 1.
Steelers beginning left guard Isaac Seumalo is out for the season opener after leaving an August 28 apply with a pectoral damage. Heart Nate Herbig, nonetheless, will miss the season with a torn rotator cuff.
–Jack Batten, Discipline Degree Media
