After re-signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2021 offseason, linebacker Nicholas Morrow returns as a leader of the defense.Â
He’s back for more…
Following a season where the Raiders defense struggled immensely, Morrow made the decision to return to Las Vegas. While he undoubtedly had offers from other teams, Morrow made the choice to stay due to his relationship with the team as a whole.
While speaking to the press recently, Morrow said, ‘This organization means a lot to me, coach Gruden means a lot to me, this team means a lot to me, and that’s the biggest reason I wanted to resign here.’Â It’s clear the love that Morrow has for the Raiders and that’s partly why he’s a foundational piece.
Morrow also had glowing reviews for the new defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley. When asked about the new coach, he said ‘Coach Bradley’s energy is always up and I think the whole defense feeds off of it. He’s been a great addition that’s for sure.’Â He also mentioned that not only is the defense more simple, but he has experience with a similar style.
The young linebacker spoke on the urgency to improve the defense, stating that ‘The most effective way to win games is to play complementary football… we have to do our job to help win games.‘ In 2020, the Raiders’ defense blew several games for the team and cost them the win. That performance cannot repeat in 2021.
"I think his time is right now."
How Nicholas Morrow's continued growth has made him a leader among the defense » https://t.co/fOzwKBs1cw pic.twitter.com/VYKp2l0ge2
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) July 28, 2021
Big things ahead
If the Raiders are going to improve upon their .500 season in 2020, they’ll have to become better defensively. Tasked with this will be Morrow and the rest of the revamped unit. One thing is for sure however, Morrow will leave it all on the field. “I’m really not supposed to be here… I’m eternally grateful and I don’t take it for granted at all,” was the way Morrow described his NFL career. With that mentality, he will be a member of the Silver and Black for a long time.
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*Top Photo: Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal