Falcons: Is Arthur Smith a Coach of the Year candidate?

Arthur Smith now has second-most wins among 2021 rookie head coaches, behind Brandon Staley, who has a much more talented Chargers roster. When the Falcons hired Smith, there were many polarizing reactions among the fanbase. Those who favored the hire would reference the resurging career of Ryan Tannehill and a record-setting Tennessee offense. Those who remained skeptical pointed to the luxury of having Derrick Henry.

Thirteen games into the season, we are starting to see who Arthur Smith wants to be. The first-year head coach has led Atlanta to a 6-7 record after the Falcons posted a 4-12 record last season. They’re in an actual playoff race, even if they haven’t “beaten anybody.” Terry Fontenot should be credited with putting together a somewhat average roster with incredible cap restraints. The players also should be heralded for their adversity and subtle improvements throughout the year; however, Smith might deserve most of the credit.

There have been blunders; it certainly hasn’t been all roses for Smith. After all, he hasn’t even won his first game in front of a home crowd in Mercedes Benz Stadium. The Falcons have struggled to find their identity, culminating in a couple of terrible losses to the Cowboys and Patriots — two Super Bowl contenders. Even with those awful performances, Smith has shown the capability to lead men and inspire those players to fight for each other. The beginning of a culture built on mental and physical toughness and resilience is taking shape — *hat tip*.

If the Falcons even lose games to the 49ers and Bills, they could still finish 8-9, which would be an incredible feat with such an average roster. Smith hasn’t lit the league on fire by any means, but he’s done more with less than many other coaches. A former NFL player even thinks he should be considered in the Coach of the Year discussion.

This tweet will get eviscerated but I feel like Arthur Smith should at least get mentioned in the Coach of the Year discussion.

6-7 with that roster and no Ridley is really impressive.

— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) December 12, 2021

Every team loses key players, but the Falcons unexpectedly lost Calvin Ridley early in the season, undoubtedly a critical piece of the offense. Smith has made the most of what he has, which has turned into a complete breakout year for Cordarrelle Patterson. Fontenot and the entire coaching staff should be acknowledged for their vision and execution of Patterson’s full-time role in the offense on just a $3 million price tag. With a bunch of minimum salaried players, Smith has this team right on the cusp of making the playoffs; he deserves some recognition. The schematics are coming together, particularly with the offensive line. It isn’t perfect, but there are tangible improvements being made.