There’s been speculation that Arthur Smith might lose his job following an embarrassing Falcons loss to the 1-12 Panthers where his offense only mustered seven points.
It’s fair for fans to speculate because, to this point, Smith hasn’t delivered; it’s been an underwhelming season, and a lot of the shortcomings fall at the feet of the head coach.
The Falcons need change, but I’m not quite sure firing Arthur Smith is the best course of action. More than anything, Desmond Ridder’s at fault for the disappointing 2023 campaign. He has committed six turnovers in the red zone, which is just inexcusable. The third-round pick has turned the ball over 16 times, third-most in the NFL, and it could have been more given the fumbles that weren’t lost.
One thing is clear. Arthur Smith’s job is in question, but Desmond Ridder’s isn’t. He’s not the guy, as Chase already pointed out. It’s not up for debate any longer. It’s why Smith is mulling over who the starter will be in Week 16.
What many fans are wondering is why Smith even announced that on Monday because that would indicate his job is safe. Well, that’s because it is. In a piece for The Athletic, Jeff Schultz reported that Smith believes there won’t be a decision on his future before the end of the season.
“At no point has Smith sensed a decision on his future will be made before season’s end. He feels supported by Blank. But that goes only so far.”
I’ve said before, a “late-season collapse” that would result in Arthur Blank potentially firing Arthur Smith would be if he lost the locker room, which doesn’t seem to be the case. Falcons players are still fully behind their head coach.
Smith feels as if his job is secure, and given his relationship with Blank, I’d tend to agree. Moreover, the Falcons owner has never been the one to pull the trigger too quickly. If anything, he holds on too long.
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Photographer: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire
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