Rams Training Camp has displayed a variety of promising aspects for this year’s squad– from the sharp performances of running backs Darrell Henderson and Raymond Calais, to the poise and leadership of quarterback Matthew Stafford, to the recent return of rookie wide receiver Tutu Atwell from the COVID-19 list, vital pieces are moving and clicking– including the defensive line under the active, hands-on guidance of Raheem Morris.
The defensive coordinator’s field presence and connection with the players throughout camp has been distinguishable.
“When you’re a coordinator and you like to call yourself an ‘active coordinator’, I like to let those guys use me how they can. If they call upon my assistance or need help in any type of drill, that’s why I’m there. When we break some of those drills up to get individual teaching for individual people, you want to use all your people. You want to pour as much as you can to every single person on our football team,” says Morris.
According to head coach Sean McVay, Morris “never has bad days”, and he seems to have a knack for keeping the players in the same space and mindset. “He’s got a great presence; he’s got a great ability to communicate, he’s still an athlete out here. He likes to throw it around with the guys and I think that’s one of the things that makes him a great coach,” says McVay.
Morris is entering his first season as the Rams defensive coordinator. He spent three seasons as Tampa Bay’s head coach from 2009 to 2011, followed by three seasons as Washington’s defensive backs coach. From 2015 to 2020, Morris was with the Atlanta Falcons.