NFL insider on Falcons and Arthur Smith: “Likely headed toward a breakup”

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NFL: OCT 15 Commanders at Falcons

Arthur Blank seemingly gave Arthur Smith every opportunity to save his job. Before the Falcons lost to the Buccaneers in the season’s second meeting, there were reports that Smith’s job was considered to be safe barring a late season collapse.

Then, the club dropped two embarrassing games in a row to division foes, the worst coming against the basement-dwelling Panthers. The Falcons rebounded the following week against the Colts, putting together the best win of the season.

Of course, the 2023 Falcons couldn’t let that momentum ride too long. They traveled north to Chicago and were trampled by the lowly Bears, but their postseason hopes were still alive.

In the season finale, the Falcons could win the NFC South with a victory over the Saints and an improbable Buccaneers loss. Unfortunately for Arthur Smith, it went about as poorly as one could imagine.

New Orleans embarrassed Atlanta in the second half of Sunday’s tilt, and it may have sealed his fate. According to Jordan Schultz, Arthur Smith and the Falcons seem to be headed for a breakup after the past two week’s disappointing outings.

There is no denying the poor quarterback play in Atlanta this season. The Falcons would’ve won double-digit games and earned an easy playoff berth with competent quarterback play. Not top 10 quarterback play, just average quarterback play, and the club would’ve been in the postseason.

Unfortunately, Arthur Smith put his eggs in Desmond Ridder‘s basket, and he has to take the blame. Ridder was horrible for most of the 2023 campaign and constantly handicapped the team.

I’d completely understand the Falcons moving on from Arthur Smith, but there’s no denying the fact that the single biggest factor in Atlanta’s shortcomings was the quarterback play.

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Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire

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