Raheem Morris praises Tyler Allgeier after the Falcons' third straight win

Six games into the Raheem Morris era in Atlanta, the Falcons' potent offense has helped propel them to the top of the NFC South.

The team's 4-2 start is the best for the franchise since 2016, the year Atlanta reached Super Bowl LI. The Falcons have won three straight against division opponents after Sunday's 38-20 road win over the Carolina Panthers. Atlanta's 38 points were its most since November 29, 2020 in a 43-6 home win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

A big reason for Sunday's offensive explosion was the Falcons' running game. Tyler Allgeier, who has performed well as a backup this season, ran for 105 yards and a score, while starter Bijan Robinson ran for 95 yards and had two scores on the ground.

Morris, the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator for the past three seasons, was well aware of Allgeier's physical running style before he got the head job in Atlanta.

“Tyler was a pain in the ass for me in his rookie season,” Morris said of playing against Allgeier in Los Angeles in 2022. “I was a defensive coordinator against him, trying to figure out who he was. I remember telling our guys at the meeting.” , “This guy runs hard.” … This guy has a strong back and runs with great intent. I love the combination of him (and Bijan) and how they cheer each other on, these two guys.”

Atlanta swept its NFC South opponents in the crucial three games, sweeping New Orleans and Tampa Bay before defeating the Panthers on Sunday. The Falcons are currently in a tiebreaker over the Buccaneers, but will meet again in Week 8 in Tampa.

Before that, the Falcons host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, a team that is coming off a three-game losing streak.

Morris — who is coaching his 66th game as an NFL head coach this Sunday (25-40 overall with Tampa Bay in 2009-11 and Atlanta in 2020, 2024) — knows he can't discount Seattle despite its recent struggles.

“Geno (Smith) has played great the last few years and is kind of the boost to his entire career,” Morris said of the Seahawks quarterback. “Obviously DK Metcalf has been a physical force in the league for a while and Tyler Lockett has always been a thorn in my side. … We have our hands full.”

Atlanta's injured list includes special teams player Micah Abernathy, who suffered a knee injury on Sunday and will likely miss “significant time,” Morris said.

Linebacker Troy Andersen missed Sunday's game with a knee injury, but Morris told reporters that Atlanta will continue to evaluate the injury throughout the week.

–Field level media