Rams Hire Raheem Morris as new DC

[oldnotdead]

Personally I like this hire. He's a no-nonsense coach who can still relate to young players. I can see this defense remaining in the top 5 assuming of course he stays aggressive.

 

[T-REX]

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/4-pending-free-agents-connections-165956513.html

4 pending free agents with connections to Rams DC Raheem Morris

Cameron DaSilva
Fri, January 22, 2021, 11:59 AM

The Los Angeles Rams hired Raheem Morris as their defensive coordinator, replacing Brandon Staley at the helm of the NFL’s top-ranked defense in 2020. Morris comes over after five years with the Falcons, including this past season when he was their defensive coordinator and interim head coach.
Morris worked with several of the Falcons’ pending free agents, some of whom could interest the Rams as they work through the offseason roster-building phase.
After watching Staley lure Leonard Floyd from the Bears to Los Angeles last offseason, which players could Morris do the same with from the Falcons? Here are four ideas.

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

The Rams had one of the best cornerback groups in the NFL this season, led by Jalen Ramsey. But Troy Hill’s contract will expire in March and Darious Williams is set to be a restricted free agent. Williams should be back but Hill isn’t a sure bet to return. Wreh-Wilson is an athletic corner with good size, too (6-foot-1, 190), so he's an intriguing player on the free-agent market. And with Morris being a former defensive backs coach, he knows all about coaching cornerbacks. Wreh-Wilson is 31 years old, so he isn't a player the Rams can build around for four or five years, but as a veteran who won't break the bank, he's someone Los Angeles should consider if Hill or Williams leave. In 2020 with the Falcons, he picked off three passes as a part-time player in 15 games.

EDGE Steven Means

The Rams had one of the best cornerback groups in the NFL this season, led by Jalen Ramsey. But Troy Hill’s contract will expire in March and Darious Williams is set to be a restricted free agent. Williams should be back but Hill isn’t a sure bet to return. Wreh-Wilson is an athletic corner with good size, too (6-foot-1, 190), so he's an intriguing player on the free-agent market. And with Morris being a former defensive backs coach, he knows all about coaching cornerbacks. Wreh-Wilson is 31 years old, so he isn't a player the Rams can build around for four or five years, but as a veteran who won't break the bank, he's someone Los Angeles should consider if Hill or Williams leave. In 2020 with the Falcons, he picked off three passes as a part-time player in 15 games.

EDGE Charles Harris

Harris started the season strong for the Falcons, recording two sacks in his first two games. But as the season wore on, his playing time diminished. In 13 games played, he recorded three sacks, three tackles for loss and five QB hits. A former first-round pick of the Dolphins in 2017, Harris had potential coming out of Missouri. He didn’t test well at the combine, though, and isn't the most explosive pass rusher available. But if Morris likes what he saw from the 25-year-old in Atlanta, he could be a candidate for a one-year contract with the Rams. In his career, Harris has 6.5 sacks and 28 QB hits but has never started more than five games in a season.

S Damontae Kazee

Safety isn't exactly a pressing need for the Rams, given the depth they have at the position. But John Johnson could be on his way out, leaving a host of younger players to fill the void. Kazee has four years of experience and 10 career interceptions, but he was limited to just four games this season before landing on injured reserve. He’s a versatile safety who can cover the slot, play deep and line up in the box, and his ball skills are clear after picking off seven passes in 2018 after taking over for Keanu Neal. Kazee was coached by Morris in the secondary for the last four years and given the way he’s played, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Rams give him a look in free agency – as long as the price is right. Johnson could price himself out of their range, making Kazee a cheaper option if there’s a lack of confidence in Taylor Rapp or Terrell Burgess as Johnson’s replacement.

 

[OnceARam]

Upgrade!

If that was even possible.

Kind of feels like it.

Makes you wonder who Staley will be a DC with.

I really believe Staley got too excited and took an opportunity he is more like than not (history) prepared for.

The good argument is McVay. And I will respect that point of view.

Your'e the first to say it, and I totally agree with you.

 

[thirteen28]

True.
Like making sure there's enough coffee mate in the frig, and that the ice trays arent left empty

What the fuck do you need Coffee Mate for??!?? Drink that shit BLACK!!!

 

[SteezyEndo]

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/4-pending-free-agents-connections-165956513.html

4 pending free agents with connections to Rams DC Raheem Morris

Cameron DaSilva
Fri, January 22, 2021, 11:59 AM

The Los Angeles Rams hired Raheem Morris as their defensive coordinator, replacing Brandon Staley at the helm of the NFL’s top-ranked defense in 2020. Morris comes over after five years with the Falcons, including this past season when he was their defensive coordinator and interim head coach.
Morris worked with several of the Falcons’ pending free agents, some of whom could interest the Rams as they work through the offseason roster-building phase.
After watching Staley lure Leonard Floyd from the Bears to Los Angeles last offseason, which players could Morris do the same with from the Falcons? Here are four ideas.

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

The Rams had one of the best cornerback groups in the NFL this season, led by Jalen Ramsey. But Troy Hill’s contract will expire in March and Darious Williams is set to be a restricted free agent. Williams should be back but Hill isn’t a sure bet to return. Wreh-Wilson is an athletic corner with good size, too (6-foot-1, 190), so he's an intriguing player on the free-agent market. And with Morris being a former defensive backs coach, he knows all about coaching cornerbacks. Wreh-Wilson is 31 years old, so he isn't a player the Rams can build around for four or five years, but as a veteran who won't break the bank, he's someone Los Angeles should consider if Hill or Williams leave. In 2020 with the Falcons, he picked off three passes as a part-time player in 15 games.

EDGE Steven Means

The Rams had one of the best cornerback groups in the NFL this season, led by Jalen Ramsey. But Troy Hill’s contract will expire in March and Darious Williams is set to be a restricted free agent. Williams should be back but Hill isn’t a sure bet to return. Wreh-Wilson is an athletic corner with good size, too (6-foot-1, 190), so he's an intriguing player on the free-agent market. And with Morris being a former defensive backs coach, he knows all about coaching cornerbacks. Wreh-Wilson is 31 years old, so he isn't a player the Rams can build around for four or five years, but as a veteran who won't break the bank, he's someone Los Angeles should consider if Hill or Williams leave. In 2020 with the Falcons, he picked off three passes as a part-time player in 15 games.

EDGE Charles Harris

Harris started the season strong for the Falcons, recording two sacks in his first two games. But as the season wore on, his playing time diminished. In 13 games played, he recorded three sacks, three tackles for loss and five QB hits. A former first-round pick of the Dolphins in 2017, Harris had potential coming out of Missouri. He didn’t test well at the combine, though, and isn't the most explosive pass rusher available. But if Morris likes what he saw from the 25-year-old in Atlanta, he could be a candidate for a one-year contract with the Rams. In his career, Harris has 6.5 sacks and 28 QB hits but has never started more than five games in a season.

S Damontae Kazee

Safety isn't exactly a pressing need for the Rams, given the depth they have at the position. But John Johnson could be on his way out, leaving a host of younger players to fill the void. Kazee has four years of experience and 10 career interceptions, but he was limited to just four games this season before landing on injured reserve. He’s a versatile safety who can cover the slot, play deep and line up in the box, and his ball skills are clear after picking off seven passes in 2018 after taking over for Keanu Neal. Kazee was coached by Morris in the secondary for the last four years and given the way he’s played, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Rams give him a look in free agency – as long as the price is right. Johnson could price himself out of their range, making Kazee a cheaper option if there’s a lack of confidence in Taylor Rapp or Terrell Burgess as Johnson’s replacement.

I think Kazee would make the best sense. Local boy from San Bern, I am sure we could get him on a friendly deal.

 

[I like Rams]

Who's available that is an upgrade from Pleasant as DB coach? I dont think anyone is an upgrade at that position, so im guessing while McVay would love to promote from within, it's best to upgrade all around and not take a chance at a potential down grade.

 

[Merlin]

“When I became a head coach, I was ready, but I wasn’t prepared,” he says. “If you are prepared, you are strong enough to tell your owners, your general manager, why you need Derrick Brooks. Now I’m ready and prepared at the same time.”

This is a really good quote just look at 2020. First thing Staley did was have the Rams bring in pieces to strengthen the strong side (both 5T and edge) where we had struggled in key matchups going back to our first playoff showing under McVay in 2017. Robinson was a miss for 2020 but Brock had what was probably his best season in horns and won a ton of snaps at 5T. Floyd destroyed TEs and even OTs couldn't control him very well, and he's hard to edge with a WR because he's so fucking rangy.

Part of that magical first season he just had as our DC was enabled by shrewd (and one lucky) personnel decisions. It all starts with the players and that DC has to ensure he's got the guys to do the things he prioritizes in the scheme.

Morris does have a strong association with tampa 2. Which has been phased out largely due to weaknesses it has in the run game. This is why I'm so intrigued with that three-safety scheme you see in college right now. If Morris feels most comfortable making calls in a base Tampa 2 then the personnel are going to need tweaking. It's either improve the ILB who is going to be on the field all three downs (and maybe add a DL as well just to ensure we're stout up front) or load up the safety room with another SS type hitter (to backup Rapp in that role) to allow for running a third safety in the middle like we're seeing in that trend in college.

If we trend toward more tampa 2 calls we're gonna need to boost that interior of the front 7 to ensure we can stuff that run game.

 

[OldSchool]

I think Kazee would make the best sense. Local boy from San Bern, I am sure we could get him on a friendly deal.

I was actually looking at Wreh-Wilson for a mock before this article came out. Wonder how Raheem feels about him he could slot in short term as our 3rd CB.

 

[jrry32]

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/4-pending-free-agents-connections-165956513.html

4 pending free agents with connections to Rams DC Raheem Morris

Cameron DaSilva
Fri, January 22, 2021, 11:59 AM

The Los Angeles Rams hired Raheem Morris as their defensive coordinator, replacing Brandon Staley at the helm of the NFL’s top-ranked defense in 2020. Morris comes over after five years with the Falcons, including this past season when he was their defensive coordinator and interim head coach.
Morris worked with several of the Falcons’ pending free agents, some of whom could interest the Rams as they work through the offseason roster-building phase.
After watching Staley lure Leonard Floyd from the Bears to Los Angeles last offseason, which players could Morris do the same with from the Falcons? Here are four ideas.

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

The Rams had one of the best cornerback groups in the NFL this season, led by Jalen Ramsey. But Troy Hill’s contract will expire in March and Darious Williams is set to be a restricted free agent. Williams should be back but Hill isn’t a sure bet to return. Wreh-Wilson is an athletic corner with good size, too (6-foot-1, 190), so he's an intriguing player on the free-agent market. And with Morris being a former defensive backs coach, he knows all about coaching cornerbacks. Wreh-Wilson is 31 years old, so he isn't a player the Rams can build around for four or five years, but as a veteran who won't break the bank, he's someone Los Angeles should consider if Hill or Williams leave. In 2020 with the Falcons, he picked off three passes as a part-time player in 15 games.

EDGE Steven Means

The Rams had one of the best cornerback groups in the NFL this season, led by Jalen Ramsey. But Troy Hill’s contract will expire in March and Darious Williams is set to be a restricted free agent. Williams should be back but Hill isn’t a sure bet to return. Wreh-Wilson is an athletic corner with good size, too (6-foot-1, 190), so he's an intriguing player on the free-agent market. And with Morris being a former defensive backs coach, he knows all about coaching cornerbacks. Wreh-Wilson is 31 years old, so he isn't a player the Rams can build around for four or five years, but as a veteran who won't break the bank, he's someone Los Angeles should consider if Hill or Williams leave. In 2020 with the Falcons, he picked off three passes as a part-time player in 15 games.

EDGE Charles Harris

Harris started the season strong for the Falcons, recording two sacks in his first two games. But as the season wore on, his playing time diminished. In 13 games played, he recorded three sacks, three tackles for loss and five QB hits. A former first-round pick of the Dolphins in 2017, Harris had potential coming out of Missouri. He didn’t test well at the combine, though, and isn't the most explosive pass rusher available. But if Morris likes what he saw from the 25-year-old in Atlanta, he could be a candidate for a one-year contract with the Rams. In his career, Harris has 6.5 sacks and 28 QB hits but has never started more than five games in a season.

S Damontae Kazee

Safety isn't exactly a pressing need for the Rams, given the depth they have at the position. But John Johnson could be on his way out, leaving a host of younger players to fill the void. Kazee has four years of experience and 10 career interceptions, but he was limited to just four games this season before landing on injured reserve. He’s a versatile safety who can cover the slot, play deep and line up in the box, and his ball skills are clear after picking off seven passes in 2018 after taking over for Keanu Neal. Kazee was coached by Morris in the secondary for the last four years and given the way he’s played, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Rams give him a look in free agency – as long as the price is right. Johnson could price himself out of their range, making Kazee a cheaper option if there’s a lack of confidence in Taylor Rapp or Terrell Burgess as Johnson’s replacement.

None of these guys should interest us. Kazee is the only guy who's any good imo. And we don't need a safety.

 

[Gandalf]

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/4-pending-free-agents-connections-165956513.html

4 pending free agents with connections to Rams DC Raheem Morris

Cameron DaSilva
Fri, January 22, 2021, 11:59 AM

The Los Angeles Rams hired Raheem Morris as their defensive coordinator, replacing Brandon Staley at the helm of the NFL’s top-ranked defense in 2020. Morris comes over after five years with the Falcons, including this past season when he was their defensive coordinator and interim head coach.
Morris worked with several of the Falcons’ pending free agents, some of whom could interest the Rams as they work through the offseason roster-building phase.
After watching Staley lure Leonard Floyd from the Bears to Los Angeles last offseason, which players could Morris do the same with from the Falcons? Here are four ideas.

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

The Rams had one of the best cornerback groups in the NFL this season, led by Jalen Ramsey. But Troy Hill’s contract will expire in March and Darious Williams is set to be a restricted free agent. Williams should be back but Hill isn’t a sure bet to return. Wreh-Wilson is an athletic corner with good size, too (6-foot-1, 190), so he's an intriguing player on the free-agent market. And with Morris being a former defensive backs coach, he knows all about coaching cornerbacks. Wreh-Wilson is 31 years old, so he isn't a player the Rams can build around for four or five years, but as a veteran who won't break the bank, he's someone Los Angeles should consider if Hill or Williams leave. In 2020 with the Falcons, he picked off three passes as a part-time player in 15 games.

EDGE Steven Means

The Rams had one of the best cornerback groups in the NFL this season, led by Jalen Ramsey. But Troy Hill’s contract will expire in March and Darious Williams is set to be a restricted free agent. Williams should be back but Hill isn’t a sure bet to return. Wreh-Wilson is an athletic corner with good size, too (6-foot-1, 190), so he's an intriguing player on the free-agent market. And with Morris being a former defensive backs coach, he knows all about coaching cornerbacks. Wreh-Wilson is 31 years old, so he isn't a player the Rams can build around for four or five years, but as a veteran who won't break the bank, he's someone Los Angeles should consider if Hill or Williams leave. In 2020 with the Falcons, he picked off three passes as a part-time player in 15 games.

EDGE Charles Harris

Harris started the season strong for the Falcons, recording two sacks in his first two games. But as the season wore on, his playing time diminished. In 13 games played, he recorded three sacks, three tackles for loss and five QB hits. A former first-round pick of the Dolphins in 2017, Harris had potential coming out of Missouri. He didn’t test well at the combine, though, and isn't the most explosive pass rusher available. But if Morris likes what he saw from the 25-year-old in Atlanta, he could be a candidate for a one-year contract with the Rams. In his career, Harris has 6.5 sacks and 28 QB hits but has never started more than five games in a season.

S Damontae Kazee

Safety isn't exactly a pressing need for the Rams, given the depth they have at the position. But John Johnson could be on his way out, leaving a host of younger players to fill the void. Kazee has four years of experience and 10 career interceptions, but he was limited to just four games this season before landing on injured reserve. He’s a versatile safety who can cover the slot, play deep and line up in the box, and his ball skills are clear after picking off seven passes in 2018 after taking over for Keanu Neal. Kazee was coached by Morris in the secondary for the last four years and given the way he’s played, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Rams give him a look in free agency – as long as the price is right. Johnson could price himself out of their range, making Kazee a cheaper option if there’s a lack of confidence in Taylor Rapp or Terrell Burgess as Johnson’s replacement.

Cameron left out the Steven Means description.

 

[SteezyEndo]

None of these guys should interest us. Kazee is the only guy who's any good imo. And we don't need a safety.

Kazee is dynamic he started off a CB and now plays Safety. So even if we lose Hill this season as well, Kazee could play that spot. Ramsey and Kazee on ends would be game genie hacking at its finest.

 

[FaulkSF]

None of these guys should interest us. Kazee is the only guy who's any good imo. And we don't need a safety.

Yes he plays well and seems he's always nicked up We already have that in Rapp.

 

[SteezyEndo]

Yes he plays well and seems he's always nicked up We already have that in Rapp.

I wouldn’t want Rapp playing a leadership role. Dude is basically still unproven to be that guy who can take charge.

 

[jrry32]

Kazee is dynamic he started off a CB and now plays Safety. So even if we lose Hill this season as well, Kazee could play that spot. Ramsey and Kazee on ends would be game genie hacking at its finest.

Kazee moved from CB to safety because of his limitations at CB. We have limited resources and a lot of talent/depth in the secondary, even with the loss of JJ and Hill. Add a DB or two on Day 3, let Aubrey Pleasant and Ejiro Evero coach them up, and move forward with what we have. I'd rather spend our limited money where it's needed the most. That isn't the secondary.

 

[Mackeyser]

am i the only one that worries about there might be hard feeling from our position coaches that have been passed over twice now. sure would like to be a fly on the wall of some of those coaches offices.

I really don't think so. Firstly, Pleasant, Henderson and Evero have all worked with Morris, iirc. Secondly, there is NO HC in the NFL that's had more coaches promoted outside the org than McVay and it's not even close.

You can rest assured that McVay wouldn't just do the ol' "we need you where you are" bullshit that has people resenting their jobs and feeling held back.

I think O'Connell not leaving has two parts: 1) Goff needs continuity and 2) McVay didn't see him as part of the offense's problem.

Thus, I'd be shocked if ANY of them felt held back by McVay when he's gone out of his way to pay it forward for every coach he can.

 

[SteezyEndo]

Kazee moved from CB to safety because of his limitations at CB.

Yeah, but everyone has limitations regardless.

I'd rather spend our limited money where it's needed the most.

Yes I agree we need a reliable stellar Center.

 

[Mackeyser]

One thing I'm reading about from some Falcons fans is this hire makes a lot of sense because he gameplans vs the Whiners very well.

I'd love few things better than for this hate triangle to be broken... We have Seahawks number, Seahawks have 49ers number, 49ers have our number.

If we could break that... that'd be a huge deal in winning the division every year for a long, long time.

 

[Mackeyser]

That's a valid point, Morris was the DC to start the season and then took over Head Coaching duties. I still believe he's a very good Assistant Coach and was high in demand, but before he was hired as Interim Head Coach, the Falcon defense gave up a ton of points in the first 5 games.

I really wonder if the issues were with Dan Quinn who came from the Seattle Pete Carroll school. Once fired and Morris moved into the HC spot, the defense seemed to really pick up and for the last half of the season, it was a top 10 defense and was top 5 in some categories. It's a crazy level of turn around. How he didn't get the job, I have no idea, but I'm THRILLED to have him.

 

[den-the-coach]

it was a top 10 defense and was top 5 in some categories. It's a crazy level of turn around. How he didn't get the job, I have no idea, but I'm THRILLED to have him.

I think Morris is an excellent assistant coach and was Atlanta's turn around on defense more on Morris or on Jeff Ulbrich now DC for the New York Jets? Raheem Morris believe or not has only been a DC once and that was at Kansas State in 2006, since that time, he's held the title of DB Coach & Assistant HC since being Head Coach from 2009-2011.

I'm not concerned because if the defense does really well under Morris, he could earn another shot as Head Coach and the staff & players around him, should be a recipe for success on that side of the ball.

 

[ottoman89]

I think Morris is an excellent assistant coach and was Atlanta's turn around on defense more on Morris or on Jeff Ulbrich now DC for the New York Jets? Raheem Morris believe or not has only been a DC once and that was at Kansas State in 2006, since that time, he's held the title of DB Coach & Assistant HC since being Head Coach from 2009-2011.

I'm not concerned because if the defense does really well under Morris, he could earn another shot as Head Coach and the staff & players around him, should be a recipe for success on that side of the ball.

Really? That surprised me. For some reason I thought he was a DC in Tampa. My mind is blown.