Arthur Smith has been criticized for a slew of missteps and shortcomings, but there’s one thing in particular that irks not just Falcons fans but a lot of NFL watchers.
After selecting skill position players with three straight top 10 draft picks, Smith is still failing to feature them in his offense. Against the Panthers, he once again neglected Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts.
Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson had more touches than Robinson, London, and Pitts combined.
Tyler Allgeier and C-Patt had more offensive opportunities (22 touches + targets) today than Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts had combined (17).
— Ian Kenyon (@ikenyonFB) December 17, 2023
Opportunities in the passing game were hard to come by, but Robinson not getting the ball in the run game is inexcusable. Regardless of the fumble he lost, giving a fifth-round pick more carries than your 8th overall pick has been a consistent theme this season.
Bijan Robinson has garnered more touches than Tyler Allgeier on the season, but the recurring issue is Arthur Smith not being able to maximize all three talented weapons in the same game. Last week against the Buccaneers was one of the few instances in which Robinson, London, and Pitts had productive outings.
The rookie running back totaled 88 yards and a score on 15 touches. London had a career day, posting 172 yards on 10 receptions while Kyle Pitts added 57 yards and a touchdown on three receptions.
The Falcons didn’t lose to the Panthers because they failed to get that trio the ball. It was Desmond Ridder‘s back-breaking interception in the red zone that lost the game, but had Smith rode Robinson and made Drake London and Kyle Pitts the focal points of the passing game, it may have never come down to Ridder needing to make a play late in the game.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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