NFL rumors: Arthur Smith safe ‘for now’ as Falcons cling to playoff hopes
Arthur Smith, the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, may be safe, at least for the time being, according to ESPN’s Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter, who recently discussed which NFL coaches are the hottest candidates.
Schefter, McAfee, and A.J. Hawk talked briefly about the future state of the coaching positions around the league on the Pat McAfee show. When the topic of Atlanta came up, Schefter explained why he believes Smith kept his job for at least one more game, owing to the Falcons’ most recent victory over the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday, which ended a two-game losing streak.
“December is a crucial month for winning and losing jobs, especially for head coaching positions,” Schefter said. “I believe that Dennis Allen of New Orleans and Arthur Smith of Atlanta are safe as of right now, but that could change if they go 0-2.”
The Falcons trail the NFC South division leaders, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, by a game at 7-8. Additionally, the New York Times Playoff Predictor indicates that they have only a 12 percent probability of making the playoffs and an 8 percent chance of winning the division. To have a chance, head coach Arthur Smith and the Falcons need to overcome the division opponent, the 7-8 New Orleans Saints, and the 6-9 Chicago Bears.
Many questions remain about Smith’s own legitimacy. They are in danger of finishing below .500 for the third straight season. In Smith’s three-year tenure, they’ve drafted offensively in consecutive years in the first round: tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London, and running-back Bijan Robinson.
They are ranked 16th in total offense despite having an abundance of offensive talent. Despite quarterback Desmond Ridder, a former third-round pick in 2022, having an inconsistent season thus far, the offense’s strength has been its eighth-ranked running game, which is led by Tyler Allgeier and Robinson. Their very skilled ninth-ranked defense is their strongest suit on the other side of the ball.
The Falcons’ potent running game and rugged defense could be their go-to formulas if they secure their first postseason trip since 2017. But try not to become too excited.
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