ESPN NEWS UPDATES:  ESPN’s Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter revealed that Arthur Smith might be safe, as Falcons cling to playoff hopes

In a recent discussion regarding which NFL coaches are on the hot seat, ESPN’s Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter indicated that Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith may be safe for the time being.

 

Schefter, McAfee, and A.J. Hawk briefly discussed the looming status of the coaching situations across the league on the Pat McAfee show. When Atlanta was addressed, Schefter stated why he thinks Smith saved his job for at least another week, thanks to the Falcons’ most recent victory this past Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, which ended a two-game losing run.

“Jobs are won and lost in December and that is true when it comes to head coaching jobs,” he said. “I think today that New Orleans (Dennis Allen) and Atlanta (Arthur Smith) are safe but that could change if they go 0-2.”

 

The Falcons are 7-8, one game behind the NFC South division leaders, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to the New York Times Playoff Predictor, they have a 12% chance of making the playoffs and an 8% chance of winning the division. To have a fighting shot, head coach Arthur Smith and the Falcons must win out against the 6-9 Chicago Bears and division opponent, the 7-8 New Orleans Saints.

Many issues about Smith’s own authenticity remain unanswered. They are on the verge of finishing below.500 for the third consecutive season. During Smith’s three-year tenure, the team has picked three offensive players in the first round in successive years: tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London, and running back Bijan Robinson.

Despite their offensive prowess, they are rated 16th in total offense. With former third-round pick quarterback Desmond Ridder having an inconsistent season, the offense’s strength has been its eighth-ranked running game spearheaded by Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. On the other side of the ball, they have a very capable ninth-ranked defense.

 

If the Falcons make the playoffs for the first time since 2017, their winning recipe will be their strong running game and physical defense. However, don’t get your hopes up.