The Atlanta Falcons made a shocking move last week, releasing veteran receiver Ray-Ray McCloud.
The questions around McCloud's aren't just due to the odd nature of the receiver's release. It is the lack of proven options at the position and what the Falcons might do to address an obvious weakness. One that they willingly created and now appear unwilling to fully explain.
Morris spoke on the release and suggested that it was performance-based. When pushed on whether there was something behind the reasoning for the receiver's surprise release, the coach continued to speak positively and refused to further the conversation, simply saying, "I wish Ray-Ray nothing but the best," via Atlanta Falcons team reporter Terrin Waack, making it clear there was no obvious ill-will.
Still, the answer leaves Falcons fans dumbfounded as to what exactly went on behind the scenes.
Falcons Receiver Ray-Ray McCloud Released as Franchise Gives Confusing Reasoning for Odd Move
Only a season ago, as the fourth or fifth option, McCloud managed 686 receiving yards. There was a consistent impact on the receiver's speed setting up Drake London and Darnell Mooney. Five games into the season, the same stats weren't there; that is undeniable. However, there wasn't any reason to believe things wouldn't improve with the lack of production being considered due to the focus on the run game and young quarterback. This changed when the Falcons listed McCloud as a healthy scratch in back-to-back weeks.
It was the first clue that something had gone awry and obviously ended in the surprise release. This has left Atlanta fans wondering what exactly they are missing and how the team is going to address the obvious issues at the receiver position. The Falcons lack any proven depth after London and Mooney, with the latter consistently missing time due to injuries.
Perhaps the move would make sense if you had a younger option pressing for snaps. This is far from the case with Casey Washington and David Sills having nowhere close to the proven production or explosive ability of McCloud. This is evidenced by the fact that the pass catcher has already been signed by the New York Giants. Leaving some obvious questions for head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot to answer.
Still, the franchise has time to recover with very winnable games upcoming against the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. Perhaps time for a surprise target to emerge and more sensible answers to come out as to why the Falcons so quickly moved on from an integral piece of the Atlanta offense.