(AP) — FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. Arthur Smith’s employment as coach of the Atlanta Falcons is in jeopardy after two straight losses shattered the team’s postseason chances and cost quarterback Desmond Ridder his starting job for the second time this season.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank indicated he will make a decision on Smith’s position for 2024 after the regular season.
The Falcons (6-8) will almost certainly need to win their next three regular-season games, including Sunday’s home finale against Indianapolis, to keep their postseason aspirations alive. Atlanta would still require assistance from other teams to finish first in the NFC South and make the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Smith is 20-28 overall in his third season after going 7-10 in his previous two seasons. Following last week’s humiliating 9-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers, who had the league’s lowest record, there was heightened criticism of the coach. The Falcons have dropped to third place in the division, trailing Tampa Bay and New Orleans by one game.
Blank said to Georgia Public Television on Tuesday that the team’s 6-8 record “has not been the kind of season we expected,” but he claimed he wasn’t ready to make a judgment on Smith.
“We’re fully committed to coach Smith,” Blank added. “We’ll play the last three games.” We’re in them to win them, and we’ll see how the season goes from there. We’ll evaluate our progress at the end of the year.”
Blank stated that he never required Smith to make the playoffs this season.
“The requirement was we have a more competitive team this year, a winning team this year,” Blank told reporters. “It’s been mixed, quite honestly.”
Smith stated on Wednesday that he takes criticism and pressure as part of his job.
“We all know what we signed up for,” Smith explained. “That’s why I enjoy this game so much.” You want to play professional football and be judged. If you don’t want to do that and just want to feel comfy, this isn’t for you.”
Smith saw himself as “so fortunate” to have Blank’s persistent support.
“One thing we have here in Atlanta is unbelievable culture and taking this job I could not have a better mentor and boss,” Smith said of Blank’s management style. “From afar, all you can hope for with any leadership team is consistency, and that’s all we’ve ever had here.” He’s been an incredible mentor, and in pro football, your job is to put yourself out there. It is your responsibility to win.
“No one will be more frustrated or put more pressure on me than I will.” That is what you accept. “I enjoy a good challenge.”
Smith benched Ridder again this week after the second-year quarterback’s key interception in the red zone late in the Panthers’ loss. Taylor Heinicke will start against the Colts, with his primary priority being ball protection.
“We have yet to put four quarters together where it’s all clean,” Heinicke explained on Wednesday.
Ridder has thrown ten touchdown passes, ten interceptions, and eleven fumbles.
Ridder was fired from his first position on November 1. Smith reinstated Ridder as the starting after two losses with Heinicke.
Smith stated on Wednesday that he had intended for Ridder to “finish out the season,” but was compelled to look for more consistency at the position with Heinicke.
“You’ve got to be willing to adapt,” Smith remarked. “I don’t want to keep switching every week….” Taylor, we believe, gives us our best opportunity right now, and we must adjust. So that’s where we’re heading.”
Leave a Reply