How Atlanta Falcons Coach Arthur Smith Plans to Improve
The Atlanta Falcons have lost the past three games and are the No. 3 seed in the NFC South, so how does head coach Arthur Smith plan to improve as a coach?
“I’m sure there are certain guys in this league that try to do it all by themselves,” Smith said. “We’re very collaborative on how you set things up, so it’s not just like you’re pulling plays out of your head, and it’s a one-man show.”
It may not be a one-man show that’s to blame for the team’s struggles, but as the head coach, Smith is certainly the face taking the blame for the Falcons’ shortcomings as of late, which must be corrected during the bye.
“Each year and each game may present different obstacles,” Smith said. “I think you take a look at everything, see what your process is and where you think needs more help; what doesn’t.”
Some Atlanta Falcons fans are calling for Arthur Smith to lose his head coaching job due to the team’s current three-game losing streak.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Three weeks ago, Smith looked like a fan favorite with his successful team and Pat McAfee appearances displaying his sense of humor. Atlanta was the No. 1 seed in the division after beating the reigning division champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers without his star running back Bijan Robinson healthy, but he quickly fell from grace.
Robinson’s usage, or lack of it following his return from a headache, received a lot of criticism, considering that he has vastly outperformed his fellow Falcons backfield mates Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson in nearly every stat per touch this season.
Although Smith may be on the hot seat, the good news is that he isn’t far from succeeding. Atlanta has lost the past three games, but they’ve all been one-score contests, so if Smith and his collaborative coaching staff can come up with a plan to improve just a tad coming out of the bye, those near losses could morph into wins, allowing the team to make a late playoff push.
As the expression goes, it’s not how you start; it’s how you finish. With his back against the wall, expect Smith to develop an improved game plan that allows the Falcons to at least go out swinging down the stretch as he looks to keep his job and lead a successful franchise.
