Falcons coach Raheem Morris anticipates the Dallas Cowboys will bring intensity to their Sunday matchup following two losses.
The Atlanta Falcons (5-3) and Dallas Cowboys (3-4) are heading into Week 9 on different paths.
Atlanta, on a high, has won four of its last five games and leads the NFC South with strong momentum.
Dallas, conversely, is grappling with drama, having lost two games by over 25 points and two by a narrow margin.
The Cowboys face heavy scrutiny and pressure for a win, and Morris expects them to play with urgency.
“This is a talented team,” Morris stated Monday. “They’ll come in angry and ready, and we must be prepared.”
The Falcons and Cowboys last met on Nov. 14, 2021, when Dallas dominated 43-3. Dallas entered that game angry after a 30-16 loss to the Denver Broncos. The Cowboys have won their last three encounters.
However, this Falcons team is new, with Morris in his first season as head coach and quarterback Kirk Cousins leading the team.
Yet, Cousins and Morris have limited success against Dallas.
Cousins holds a 2-9 record against Dallas, including 1-6 with the Washington Commanders and 1-3 with the Vikings.
Morris, as the Rams’ defensive coordinator, faced losses of 22-10 and 43-20 in the past two years against Dallas. Historically, the Falcons trail the Cowboys 11-17.
This season, both teams share common opponents: Atlanta lost to the Steelers in Week 1 but beat the Saints in Week 4, while Dallas fell to the Saints in Week 2 and beat the Steelers in Week 5.
Morris praised Cowboys players like quarterback Dak Prescott, receiver CeeDee Lamb, cornerback Trevon Diggs, and linebacker Micah Parsons.
“Offensively, Dak and CeeDee have been impressive,” Morris said. “Diggs remains solid on defense, and if Micah is back, he’ll need special attention.”
The Falcons’ goal is to avoid a quick, overwhelming start by Dallas, which could hinder Atlanta’s efforts to secure a crucial home win.
The Falcons and Cowboys will face off at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Atlanta slightly favored by 3 points.
