Does Raheem Morris give the 49ers a significant edge over the Falcons offense?

The Falcons do not find themselves in an ideal position heading into Week 7. They’re coming off two straight home losses, and now they get the undefeated 49ers, with Raheem Morris seeking a little revenge as San Francisco’s defensive coordinator.

Anytime a coach returns to his former home, there’s a little added fire in the bellies of his players — especially with a guy like Morris. He’s a player’s coach, somebody everybody loves playing for. Those guys are going to want to celebrate a win with him in style on the flight back across the country.

And it’s not as if the 49ers need extra motivation. San Francisco’s defense is among the most talented in the league, a stiff test for anyone even when they don’t bring their A-game. Add in the Morris factor — a coach who knows Michael Penix Jr.’s weaknesses as well as anyone — and you get a recipe for some tough sledding come Sunday.

There is one counterpoint to that surface-level read I want to propose, though: who doesn’t know Penix’s strengths and weaknesses at this point?

The book is out across the league. When Penix has a clean pocket, he’s as good as anyone in the game. When he’s under pressure, he’s Desmond Ridder lite. Figuring out Penix isn’t a calculus test at this stage of his career. Get him off his spot, make him uncomfortable, and you’re going to have success as a defensive coordinator against the Falcons.

According to Sharp Football Analysis, the 49ers are blitzing at a 27.4% rate this season — right around the middle of the pack. But I’d expect a sharp uptick in that number this week, especially if San Francisco has trouble getting home with four, which could be the case given Nick Bosa looks unlikely to play again.

That will be the game plan for every defensive coordinator that has to prepare for the Falcons offense, so I’m not sure if Morris’ inside advantage gives him much more of an edge over the rest of the league.

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