Food for thought. The media is playing up AD's ramping up the defense, after which they go out and play lights out. Absolutely true, AD's leadership was clear. But the question remains, where was Morris? That's his job but he's nowhere to be seen. AD realized his guys were not energized. But again why didn't Morris see that? Why wasn't he the one rallying his guys? There is no greater indictment of how bad Morris is than this. AD took it upon himself to ramp up the defense because he could see Morris could care less or was so blind he couldn't see it. This is why IMO Morris should be fired after the Super Bowl. IMO this is of greater concern heading into the game.
Not sure I agree.
I dislike Morris. I am with you on that. I consider him a JAG (just another guy). Many people use that term for players, but I consider it fair for coaches as well. He's not awful, but far from good. Almost never a difference maker. With an inability to take away the middle of the field, which I actually consider a fatal flaw, such that I think the Rams should move on. I'd be able to live with him staying, if for no other reason than continuity (for once!) and the potential of compensation picks if he departs thereafter.
Morris has improved greatly in the playoffs, I'll give him that. But when the only time you can look at the defense and say "this defence is playing great!" is when the front 7 completely takes over the game/trenches.... the DC can't get credit for that. Not when the front 7 has names like Donald, Miller, Floyd, Gaines, Robinson, SJD, Okoronkwo, Hollins, and Lewis on it. We have starting quality players as depth pieces. Any DC would have plenty of games where this front 7 dominates and makes him look good.
I also think his player evaluation is highly, highly questionable. How is it that Rapp started over Scott, Long over Rochell, Gains could not earn meaningful snaps, Reeder/Young over Howard and Jones, Williams regressing to a massive degree... what is he even watching in practice to get it wrong so many times? It's a very concerning trend when, almost without fail, the "next man up" due to injury proves more capable.
People often hate on my posts against Morris, but there is no Rams fan that can sit there with a straight face and deny the previous sentence. The only thing keeping it from being a completely damning fact is that, if the next men up are excelling, the coaching cannot be completely inept. But it strikes me that the position coaches deserve the lion's share of the kudos for ensuring the depth guys are sharp, whereas Morris as DC gets the high level calls such as personnel decisions...
But Morris' primary job is to call plays and draw up schemes. Not play the role of defensive captain.
Do coaches need to motivate too? Absolutely.
But when it's time to call a huddle and rally the troops. To smack some sense and fire into the belly of your fellow men. That is a task best performed by your defensive leaders. Ray Lewis is the prototype. But it's been that way since way back, and will continue to be so. A "players only" meeting. It has a special thrust to it.
