The NFC South has been mediocre at best over the last couple of seasons. With that, one would think that it would be ripe for the taking for Arthur Smith and the Atlanta Falcons. Despite it being the worst division in the NFL, the Falcons have been unable to grab a hold of it and make it theirs.
Because of those struggles and the lack of separating from the pack, questions surrounding Smith and his job have begun to intensify. What is supposed to be a talented roster primed to take advantage of a meddling division, has turned to scrapping and clawing their way to a 6-8 record with three games left on the season.
Latest Rumors Around Arthur Smith’s Job Security
Coming into the season, there was hope and optimism around the Falcons and this 2023 season. They drafted playmakers, added veteran talent, and secured the future of others.
Atlanta moved on to a young quarterback they hoped would be the guy for years to come and were confident that they could win a division that was just begging to be taken.
Fast forward to the current day, and the Falcons are now fresh off an embarrassing loss to a then one-win Carolina Panthers team in Week 15. They also head into Week 16 falling behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints in the division race.
With all that in mind, one would think that Smith’s seat would be hotter than ever. While it certainly isn’t a cool one, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that it isn’t as scorching as one would think.
“The sense I get after asking around is that Arthur Smith is safe in Atlanta,” Fowler said.
As surprising as it seems, Smith appears to be safe barring something drastic happening over the next three weeks of the season. However, Dianna Russini of The Athletic believes that these final three games are important for his evaluation.
MORE: Atlanta Falcons Playoff Scenarios and Chances
“Though I don’t sense panic in Atlanta, Smith needs to show (Falcons owner Arthur) Blank he is the right person to return with strong performances all over the field in the remaining weeks of the season,” Russini writes.
“The owner is 82 years old. He wants to win now. If Smith remains in place, the pressure will be on for the Falcons to get it right at quarterback in the 2024 draft.”
Important 3 Games for Smith
In a day and age where NFL coaches get fired for far less — and far sooner — the Falcons seemingly sticking with their head man, at least for now, is somewhat noble. It gives the team a chance to continue to try and build continuity, see if players can develop in a system, and analyze if what Smith is saying and doing is still being responded to.
A good way to prove that is by winning out their final three games and finishing the season 9-8. If they do so, barring other factors, they have a chance to win the division crown, with that stretch including a season finale against the Saints.
First up, though, is a matchup against Gardner Minshew and the Indianapolis Colts. A loss on Christmas Eve and Atlanta can kiss its division dreams goodbye. A win, on the other hand, could start what could be a much-needed run to end the season.
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