Prior to coming to Washington, Redskins secondary coach Raheem Morris had never spent a day of professional football outside of the Buccaneers' organization.
Originally hired as a defensive quality control coach in 2002, Morris skyrocketed through the coaching ranks to head coach in 2009, a role he filled for three seasons before being let go last offseason.
Sunday's game against the Buccaneers was Morris's first opportunity to return to face his former players, a game that his Redskins players said they wanted to win in his honor.
But following a 24-22 come-from-behind victory, Morris said a win was a win and nothing more.
"It's not really emotional, it's the same as any game," he said. "These guys, the [Buccaneers] football team, a lot of the guys that work in this building, the owners, and all of [the media] are just like a family away from home.
"I don't have any ill-will toward anybody here, so the emotions wouldn't be anything hateful. I just wanted to get here and get a win with the Washington Redskins to get us to 2-2. We were able to do that today, and it feels great."
Morris caught himself referring to some of his former players, including former draft pick Aqib Talib, as 'his guys,' but still expressed a degree of pride in their performance and development.
"I can't even call them my guys anymore; but watching those guys come out, was fun," he said with a chuckle. "Watching those guys in warmup, going through that process, that's always great to see.
"Just see those guys out there playing and playing well."
Morris worked closely with his defensive backs last week, to prepare them for the Bucs' receivers. Even though new head coach Greg Schiano runs a different system in Florida, Morris was able to relate tendencies that might show up on film.
"We did well in the first half, and [the Buccaneers offense] got going in the second half," he said. "These guys have really good wideouts with Mike Williams, getting Vincent Jackson, [Tiquan] Underwood came in and did a nice job for them today, Arrelious [Benn] when he came in and did some really nice things."
After a 15-point lead was squandered in the fourth quarter, Morris was just happy to enjoy a win over any team.
"[The Bucs] made a push at the end, but we were able to hang in there and hold them to a field goal," he said. "Then our offense was able to go out there, and [Robert Griffin III] did some magical things with that offense. That's pretty good."
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