Atlanta Falcons receiver Chris Blair and linebacker Donavan Mutin impressed coach Raheem Morris this offseason.
head coach Raheem Morris walked through the walls of the team's facility in Flowery Branch, Ga., shortly after taking the job this spring, he often walked past a familiar face each day.
Now, Blair is reaping the benefits of his work -- and has played his way to a spot where Morris won't soon forget his name.Friday night's 31-0 loss to the Jacksonville JaguarsBlair's summer success predates his strong training camp. Morris, who coached the Falcons' receivers from 2016-19, noticed Blair making plays and running crisp routes early in OTAs.
A strong preseason was merely the icing on the cake for Blair, who led the Falcons in receiving with eight catches for 154 yards. His most productive game came against the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 17, when he talliedBeyond the numbers, Morris saw resiliency, leadership and a player who, from his work ethic to his production, would be a tough cut when rosters are trimmed from 90 to 53 on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old Mutin drew praise from Morris for his work against Miami, and he became a defensive leader as the preseason progressed. And between his on-field play and off-field presence, Mutin has made a positive impression on Morris. Blair and Mutin each went undrafted, Blair out of Alcorn State and Mutin from Houston. They both spent 2023 on the Falcons' practice squad but are hoping for more this year -- though neither player is particularly safe entering Tuesday's cutdown.
But in the NFL, nothing is ever set -- especially for two players with the rollercoaster careers Blair and Mutin have endured.
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