FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — In his very first team meeting as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Raheem Morris delivered the mission that has morphed into a rallying cry: "Outrun the South."
That statement is about to be put to the test.
The NFC South race begins on Sunday as Atlanta faces the New Orleans Saints in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the first in a three-week stretch of games against each division opponent.
"I love it ... " Morris said. "The division is coming in town, and we better be ready to deal because this will determine a lot about us at the end of it all. But, right now we better focus on the New Orleans Saints."
So far the Falcons (1-2) have faced two AFC teams and an NFC East squad — the combined record of those teams is 8-1. This is the first time the Falcons face a divisional opponent. Then, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Week 5 for a Thursday-night matchup. Following that, the Falcons travel to take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 6.
Needless to say, it's a crucial few weeks for the Falcons. This stretch could either set them ahead in the division standings or have them playing catch up toward the end of the season.
Go behind the scenes with Atlanta Falcons head of equipment operations Joey Galioto as he prepares the iconic red helmet. The Falcons will wear the red helmet again this Sunday when they face off with the New Orleans Saints.
"On one hand, they all count one, and you got to find the wins wherever you can get them, and you're not going to really differentiate one over another," quarterback Kirk Cousins said. " ... Then, you can also talk about how NFC South games sort of count a little more because the goal is to win the South and be able to host a playoff game. So, you know, that has value."
Currently, the Saints lead the division with a 2-1 record. The Bucs have the same record through three weeks, but New Orleans already won a divisional game against the Panthers in the season opener.
There are five undefeated teams left in the NFL, and the Falcons have faced two of them: the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs. Atlanta lost by a combined 13 points. It hasn't been an easy start, but they've proven they can hang and refuse to fold against tough opponents.
The Falcons also have the Saints and Bucs on their road schedule before the bye week in November, which means they need to be gelling sooner rather than later.
"(It's) very important to be clicking right now going into division play," defensive tackle Grady Jarrett said. "Can only play one at a time, so that's our main focus — is this next game. Don't make light about it, we put an emphasis on division play."
Jarrett is no stranger to the Falcons-Saints rivalry, and he's well aware of how challenging this opponent will be. He's played against the Gold and Black 16 times in nine seasons, and he's seeking his sixth win as a starter.
Cousins has been part of some meaningful NFL rivalries, he likened the weight of this matchup to the one between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. On Sunday, he'll get his first taste of southern hospitality's flipside. Still, he's been provided with plenty of reminders about this game's importance from fans.
"They made it clear going back to if I would be out in public in April, May. They made it clear," Cousins said. "They take the S off of the team name. So, it's a big deal. And so we want to deliver for our fans. I thought they brought a great environment on Sunday night. There was great energy, and I want to see that continue throughout the season."
Meanwhile, Jarrett needs no reminders.
"It's definitely one of the ones everybody in the NFL knows about," Jarrett said. "The cities take it to heart. The players take it to heart, former players, former coaches. It's just one of the ones."
Dive into the past with these classic moments of Atlanta Falcons history featuring the iconic red helmet. The Falcons will wear the red helmet again this Sunday when they face off with the New Orleans Saints.
AJ Terrell poses for a portrait during the Red Helmet shoot at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, May 17, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 warms up before the Week 2 Game against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 17, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes on film from the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
A detail image of the red helmet before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 runs out of the tunnel before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 reacts after a stop during the Week 2 Game against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 17, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons huddle during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
A detail of the red helmet during warmups before the Week 6 Game against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 15, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 celebrates after a touchdown during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #35 during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 4, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Detail view of the helmet of Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 4, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kick returner Bobby Butler (23) catches a kick during the NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on September 27, 1981 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Falcons won the game 28-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Scenes on film from the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 scores a touchdown during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes on film from the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 lines up during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons defense lines up during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #37 warms up prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Mitchell Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes on film from the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
View of the red helmet on the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on October 16, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
A detail shot of Atlanta Falcons linebacker Lorenzo Carter #9 during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes on film from the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Lorenzo Carter #9 walks out before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes on film from the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the Week 12 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 26, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
during the Red Helmet shoot with AJ Terrell at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, May 17, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 scores a field goal during the Week 2 Game against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 17, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
during the Red Helmet shoot with AJ Terrell at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, May 17, 2022. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of the red helmet in the locker room before the Week 2 Game against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 17, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons Players huddle during the Week 12 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 26, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
