Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London 'Having a Heck of a Season', Says Arthur Smith
The Atlanta Falcons did not play a pristine game on Sunday against the New York Jets, but they did escape with a 13-8 win in inclement weather.
Obviously, an offensive performance like this is not a great recipe to win a multitude of games in the NFL, but Falcons head coach Arthur Smith did glean some positives from Sunday's game. After all, that's much easier to accomplish after a win.
One such positive was that he learned something about the resilience of his team, and he also feels that second-year receiver Drake London is quietly having a very strong season in Atlanta.
"They get it," Smith said. "Even with some of these young guys. A guy that I think is having a heck of a season, Drake yesterday. He only had one catch. He was targeted more.
"It may have gone somewhere else, but the energy he had all game – everybody wants the ball, which is what you want – but there’s a different intent. The energy he brings, the intensity, the plays he makes without the ball. You’d love for everybody to have their career day come through, but it’s just such a long season. You grow to appreciate that, and the experience they have, it helps you get through games like that.”
Dec 3, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets cornerback Michael Carter II (30) breaks up a pass intended of Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
London himself sounded off on the game he had on Sunday, and while he obviously wants to make plays with the ball in his hands, he's all about doing whatever it takes to win, even if the win is ugly like Sunday's.
"The competitor in me absolutely wants the ball," London said, via The Falcoholic's Allen Strk. "Everyone wants their time at some point. It comes down to understanding how the game is going. You can’t get frustrated by it. We got the win. We are all about stacking these wins right now. If the ball isn’t coming to me as much when we win, I have to be understanding. Our team is focused on winning."
That's not to say that London has been silent all season. Through the Falcons' 12 games in 2023, he has tallied 46 receptions for 573 yards and two scores.
“Any opportunity I get with the ball, I embrace it and make things happen with my abilities,” London said. “That’s my mindset. Everyone should want to be a complete, all-around player. That’s how you position yourself to be the best.
"If I got to catch more short-yardage passes to get busy, then that’s what I’m going to do to be the best and help us win games. I’m driven. I’m working every day to evolve as a player. That’s something we collectively take pride in to take that step in becoming a playoff team.”
Despite a slow start to the year, if the season ended today, the Falcons would be the No. 4 seed in the NFC as the winner of the South division. There is a crucial game upcoming in that respect this week, however, when Atlanta plays host to the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, and the game will be televised on CBS.
