NE Atlanta News

In a recent string of close games, the Atlanta Falcons have begun to define their team identity through resilience and determination. Head coach Raheem Morris emphasized this in a postgame locker room speech following a last-second victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, saying, "Don't nobody blink. That's who we are."

The Falcons have faced tight contests throughout the season. In Week 3, they narrowly lost to the Kansas City Chiefs by five points. The following week, they secured a win against the New Orleans Saints with a game-winning kick as time expired. Most recently, they achieved an overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins highlighted that these experiences have made the team "battle tested" for critical moments. Morris echoed this sentiment, noting that even in defeat against Kansas City, there was no blame among players but rather a collective resolve to improve.

Tight end Kyle Pitts mentioned that discussions about forming an identity began during early spring OTAs. According to Pitts, Morris insisted that players must shape their own identity without relying on coaches.

The team's success in close games has contributed to their early lead in the NFC South. Cousins' leadership has been pivotal in this regard. As Pitts stated, "He's seen a lot... He's the center of the energy as the quarterback and we just feed off (of that)."

Cousins has recorded 16 game-winning drives over the past five seasons—the most in the NFL—demonstrating his experience and composure under pressure.

Offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom noted Cousins' calming presence instills confidence in high-pressure situations: "I think there's a belief in what we've already achieved when we get those situations."

Wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud added that these games not only build confidence but also character for potential playoff scenarios. Reflecting on his experience with deep playoff runs while playing for San Francisco 49ers, McCloud said, "We found our identity now we got to know what to do with it."

As they prepare for Week 6 against Carolina Panthers, safety Jessie Bates III emphasized learning from mistakes is key: "As long as we get there by December and continue to get better every single week..."

While leading NFL standings with game-winning drives so far this season; some players like wide receiver Drake London expressed desire for more decisive victories: "I would like to chill in fourth quarter at some point."

Facing Carolina Panthers presents another opportunity for Falcons not only maintain divisional dominance but further solidify evolving team identity—as Bates put it succinctly: “This is part three of our running (NFC) South—and Carolina's in way.”