Falcons’ Smith wants to avoid ‘musical chairs’ at QB as Heinicke prepares for second start
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ Smith wants to avoid ‘musical chairs’ at QB as Heinicke prepares for second start

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Arthur Smith expects to provide clarity on the Atlanta Falcons’ long-term plan at quarterback soon. Smith said Wednesday the decision is “my responsibility and what they pay me for.” He said he doesn’t want uncertainty at the position to continue through the season. “With the bye, hopefully we’ll get this win and can take a second to really evaluate before we make that sprint to the end of the season.” When asked if having a second game with Heinicke leading the offense will provide enough of an opportunity to make a firm decision, Smith said: “Yeah. “We’ve got a big game in the season coming up,” Smith said. When pressed on the factors he is considering in the quarterback decision, Smith said, “There are some things I will keep private, for better or worse.” He added “maybe I’m overprotective” in guarding those details.

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History of this topic

Commanders-Falcons flexed to ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 17: See full changes
6 days, 18 hours ago

Commanders-Falcons flexed to ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 17: See full changes

New York Times  

A matchup that looked to be a meeting between current and former Washington quarterbacks has flex appeal. Instead, a game between two first-round rookie quarterbacks will get the “Sunday Night Football” treatment in Week 17. The NFL moved the Week 17 game with playoff implications between the Atlanta Falcons and the Commanders to the Sunday night slot on Dec. 29. …

The Falcons are sticking with Kirk Cousins and may get a break thanks to a soft schedule
1 week, 6 days ago

The Falcons are sticking with Kirk Cousins and may get a break thanks to a soft schedule

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Even when grappling with a four-game losing streak and the uncertainty generated by quarterback Kirk Cousins’ eight interceptions and no touchdown passes in that span, there is some solace for the Atlanta Falcons. “We’re right in this thing,” right guard Chris Lindstrom said Monday before acknowledging he is “obviously not happy or satisfied with where we’re at.” Lindstrom …

Arthur Smith and the Steelers: A football marriage made in the trenches
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Arthur Smith and the Steelers: A football marriage made in the trenches

New York Times  

Soon after Arthur Smith arrived in Latrobe, Pa., for his first training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the new offensive coordinator implemented a rule. “There’s certainly a style of play and an intent that we want that fits this team — the history here, Steelers brand of football and that shared vision,” Smith said. GO DEEPER All business in football: …

Atlanta Falcons 2024 schedule: Arthur Smith’s return kicks off challenging September
7 months, 1 week ago

Atlanta Falcons 2024 schedule: Arthur Smith’s return kicks off challenging September

New York Times  

Who were the biggest winners and losers of the NFL schedule release? The wife of new Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins spent the first part of the month just like every other NFL fan — anxiously awaiting the league’s release of its full schedule. After opening against a Steelers team with the world’s most motivated offensive coordinator, the Falcons play at …

The Steelers are turning their underachieving offense over to former Falcons coach Arthur Smith
10 months, 2 weeks ago

The Steelers are turning their underachieving offense over to former Falcons coach Arthur Smith

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers hired former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator on Friday, hoping he can help a unit that’s underachieved in recent years. Smith replaces Matt Canada, who was dismissed just before Thanksgiving with the Steelers offense languishing near the bottom of the league in points and yards. Still, head coach Mike Tomlin opted …

Arthur Smith expresses ‘love and appreciation’ for Falcons players in team meeting after firing
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Arthur Smith expresses ‘love and appreciation’ for Falcons players in team meeting after firing

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Arthur Smith was back at the Atlanta Falcons’ practice facility on Monday morning for a final meeting with his players after he was fired late Sunday night. It meant a lot to me that he stood up there and looked us all in the eye and told us some things.” Added Harrison: “He’s a guy you …

Falcons fire coach Arthur Smith hours after completing 3rd straight 7-10 season
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons fire coach Arthur Smith hours after completing 3rd straight 7-10 season

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Arthur Smith, who inherited a rebuilding project in his first NFL head coaching job and failed to lift Atlanta from its playoff drought, was fired late Sunday night, hours after completing his third straight losing season with the Falcons. Smith didn’t feel much heat after his first two losing seasons as Atlanta dealt with major salary cap issues, …

After Falcons fizzle, coach Arthur Smith deflects when asked about his future
11 months, 2 weeks ago

After Falcons fizzle, coach Arthur Smith deflects when asked about his future

Associated Press  

NEW ORLEANS — Following Atlanta’s second-half collapse against the rival Saints on Sunday, embattled Falcons coach Arthur Smith had opportunities to make a public case for his retention. “Obviously the pick didn’t help,” said Ridder, who started for the Falcons after Taylor Heinicke was a game-day scratch because of an ankle injury. They took advantage of it.” The Falcons drove …

Falcons fire Arthur Smith after 3 losing seasons: Who could Atlanta target as his replacement?
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons fire Arthur Smith after 3 losing seasons: Who could Atlanta target as his replacement?

New York Times  

The Atlanta Falcons fired coach Arthur Smith after three seasons, the team announced at midnight Monday morning, hours after the conclusion of the regular season. “There’s a lot of things that go into what makes a quarterback successful or not.” The Falcons hired Smith to replace Dan Quinn following the 2020 season. I’m angry, I’m frustrated.” Smith’s final moments with …

Atlanta Falcons fire Arthur Smith: How getting the QB decision wrong cost him
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Atlanta Falcons fire Arthur Smith: How getting the QB decision wrong cost him

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — When Calais Campbell explained in the spring why he signed with the Atlanta Falcons, he said general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith “made me a believer.” “You need to believe in the people making decisions, and they have a win-now mentality,” Campbell said on April 3. “There’s a million ways to do it …

Will the Falcons say goodbye to Arthur Smith after a third straight losing season?
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Will the Falcons say goodbye to Arthur Smith after a third straight losing season?

New York Times  

NEW ORLEANS — On Aug. 27, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he would be “disappointed” if his team didn’t win more games than it did the last two years. “I love what I’m doing, but we know the industry we’re in,” Smith said. “For other people, I know it was like, ‘More of the same,’ but for my first …

Falcons have more quarterback questions as they cling to hopes of winning NFC South
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons have more quarterback questions as they cling to hopes of winning NFC South

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons’ season of uncertainty at quarterback will continue through the final week of the regular season. Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Monday that Taylor Heinicke, who left Sunday’s 37-17 loss to the Chicago Bears with a left ankle injury, will try to return this week. I know Taylor is going to put everything he …

Taylor Heinicke struggles as Falcons lose to Bears, leaving them with narrow path to playoffs
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Taylor Heinicke struggles as Falcons lose to Bears, leaving them with narrow path to playoffs

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — The Atlanta Falcons had a chance to increase their slim chances of making the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Taylor Heinicke threw three of Atlanta’s four interceptions during the Falcons’ 37-17 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. “Ultimately, when you turn the ball over four times and don’t get any takeaways, that’s a recipe for …

Falcons know they have little room for error with slim playoff hopes heading into matchup with Bears
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons know they have little room for error with slim playoff hopes heading into matchup with Bears

Associated Press  

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Atlanta Falcons are well aware of the situation they face with two games remaining and their postseason hopes hanging by a thread. Nothing matters but Chicago.. Good or bad, you’re just taking energy away from preparing for Sunday.. “If you go out there and you don’t play well in Chicago, then nothing else matters.” The …

Falcons owner Arthur Blank feeling weight of ‘complex decision’ on his team’s coach
11 months, 4 weeks ago

Falcons owner Arthur Blank feeling weight of ‘complex decision’ on his team’s coach

New York Times  

ATLANTA — This was a good day for Arthur Blank. He didn’t want to go down the road of what he was thinking, instead reiterating comments from a few days earlier that he was “committed” to Smith — however one defines that — but that a decision on the coach’s future would be made after the season. “Like coach Smith …

Falcons coach Arthur Smith knows his job ‘is to win,’ but won’t focus on job security
1 year ago

Falcons coach Arthur Smith knows his job ‘is to win,’ but won’t focus on job security

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Sure, the Atlanta Falcons are still playing for a playoff berth. It’s not the kind of thing anyone will talk about directly — Blank this week told Georgia Public Broadcasting that he is “committed” to Smith without offering any concrete plans about the future — but it’s the topic that will be in the background of …

Falcons owner on coach Arthur Smith’s future with team: ‘We’ll let the season play out’
1 year ago

Falcons owner on coach Arthur Smith’s future with team: ‘We’ll let the season play out’

New York Times  

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he is “committed” to Arthur Smith but will “let the season play out and go from there” when asked if the third-year head coach will return in 2024. “Obviously, this has not been the kind of year we expected and you would hear that first from Coach Smith,” Blank told Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Jeff Hullinger …

Falcons again benching Ridder at QB as Heinicke moves up as starter against Colts
1 year ago

Falcons again benching Ridder at QB as Heinicke moves up as starter against Colts

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are removing quarterback Desmond Ridder from the starting job for the second time this season following his continued turnover woes in the team’s latest loss. The loss knocked the Falcons out of first place in the NFC South and raised new questions about coach Arthur Smith’s job security in his third season. Following two losses …

Falcons to start Taylor Heinicke vs. Colts, per source: Is Desmond Ridder’s tenure over in Atlanta?
1 year ago

Falcons to start Taylor Heinicke vs. Colts, per source: Is Desmond Ridder’s tenure over in Atlanta?

New York Times  

The Atlanta Falcons will start Taylor Heinicke at quarterback Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, sending Desmond Ridder to the bench for the second time this season, a team source said. Falcons coach Arthur Smith said at the time the plan was to start Ridder for the rest of the season, and Atlanta won its first two games after his return. …

Falcons’ Arthur Smith picked wrong quarterback and he’s lost benefit of doubt
1 year ago

Falcons’ Arthur Smith picked wrong quarterback and he’s lost benefit of doubt

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Arthur Smith has lost too many games this season as the Falcons’ coach – too many games to bad teams, to bad quarterbacks, to four teams that already have been eliminated from playoff contention, to one that already has fired its head coach. Beyond the mathematics that suggest the Falcons are still in the playoff race, …

Falcons coach Arthur Smith’s job security in question after 9-7 loss to the NFL’s worst team
1 year ago

Falcons coach Arthur Smith’s job security in question after 9-7 loss to the NFL’s worst team

Associated Press  

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Arthur Smith’s job security is in question after the Atlanta Falcons squandered a lead Sunday and lost to the NFL’s worst team. “There’s consequences when you lose so these are natural questions, right?” Smith said during a postgame news conference. “Make sure we have the right plan and make the right decision that’s in the best interest …

Arthur Smith, Desmond Ridder face questions about future after Falcons’ loss to Panthers
1 year ago

Arthur Smith, Desmond Ridder face questions about future after Falcons’ loss to Panthers

New York Times  

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Atlanta Falcons are almost out of the playoff race, completely out of explanations for their struggles and now answering questions about whether some people are going to be out of jobs. “I mean, this one hurts,” Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell said after Atlanta lost 9-7 to the worst team in the league, the Carolina Panthers. …

Drew Lock provides a spark as well as mistakes for Seahawks in 1st start in place of injured Smith
1 year ago

Drew Lock provides a spark as well as mistakes for Seahawks in 1st start in place of injured Smith

Associated Press  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Drew Lock couldn’t have scripted a much better beginning to his first start for the Seattle Seahawks than capping his initial drive with a touchdown pass to DK Metcalf. “I’m trying to balance the feeling of just finally playing again, and how good that feels and also not getting it done.” Lock got his first start …

Falcons leave New York with division lead safe, but offensive issues persist
1 year ago

Falcons leave New York with division lead safe, but offensive issues persist

New York Times  

The Atlanta Falcons left New York in sole possession of first place Sunday evening, and coach Arthur Smith is going to have to take solace in that because his offense didn’t give him much to feel good about in a 13-8 win over the New York Jets. “Sometimes the game gets ugly in the elements,” Smith said, alluding to a …

Falcons and Jets face different circumstances in the playoff hunt while both seek consistency
1 year ago

Falcons and Jets face different circumstances in the playoff hunt while both seek consistency

Associated Press  

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Atlanta Falcons have had quarterback issues, a three-game losing streak and a record under.500. “We’re trying to win every football game we play in, so hopefully we can keep him in contention.” BOYLE BACK UNDER CENTER While the Jets wait to see if Rodgers will be able to actually come back this season, Boyle will …

Desmond Ridder back at QB for Falcons: Now he and Arthur Smith are in it together
1 year, 1 month ago

Desmond Ridder back at QB for Falcons: Now he and Arthur Smith are in it together

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith is going back to Desmond Ridder as his starting quarterback, and they are going down the homestretch of the regular season together — a homestretch that could prove critical to their long-term futures in Atlanta. “He’s done a really good job of taking advantage of what could be perceived as a …

Falcons’ Smith reinstates Ridder as starting QB for key NFC South game against Saints
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ Smith reinstates Ridder as starting QB for key NFC South game against Saints

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons returned from their bye facing a must-win game against NFC South rival New Orleans. Heinicke was not available for Monday’s practice, but Smith said the decision to name Ridder as the starter was “absolutely” intended to last the remainder of the season and was not based on Heinicke’s health. “I think the reset …

Falcons to start QB Desmond Ridder in Week 12 vs. Saints, per source: Why it’s not a surprise
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons to start QB Desmond Ridder in Week 12 vs. Saints, per source: Why it’s not a surprise

New York Times  

The Atlanta Falcons are making a change at quarterback again and will start Desmond Ridder next week against the New Orleans Saints, a league source confirmed. Ridder, who was benched after a spate of turnovers, finished last week’s game against the Arizona Cardinals game after Heinicke suffered a low-grade hamstring injury. Pro football is going to test you in every …

Falcons’ Smith could use Ridder’s ‘reset’ as a key factor in picking a starting quarterback
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ Smith could use Ridder’s ‘reset’ as a key factor in picking a starting quarterback

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — As Arthur Smith uses a bye week to consider what he hopes will be his final starting quarterback decision of the Atlanta Falcons’ season, Desmond Ridder’s strongest pitch may have been the confidence he showed when he replaced the injured Taylor Heinicke in last Sunday’s 25-23 loss at Arizona. “I thought it was a good reset for Des,” …

Falcons mailbag: Is Desmond Ridder good or bad? Can Arthur Smith evaluate QBs?
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons mailbag: Is Desmond Ridder good or bad? Can Arthur Smith evaluate QBs?

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have one big quarterback question and lots of little quarterback questions that attach to that big one. Heinicke’s injury is a “low grade” sprain, Smith said, so he may be healthy enough to play when Atlanta returns to the field, but the Falcons are strongly considering going back to Ridder either way. In …

Falcons unable to answer lingering quarterback questions in loss to Cardinals
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons unable to answer lingering quarterback questions in loss to Cardinals

Associated Press  

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Atlanta Falcons are still searching for answers at quarterback — and time is running out. “The way these games are, most of them come down to one possession, and it’s those small, little things that make a big difference,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. Heinicke’s middling performance and injury, coupled with Desmond Ridder leading the Falcons …

Falcons coach Arthur Smith isn’t getting fired. Arthur Blank is right to let it play out
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons coach Arthur Smith isn’t getting fired. Arthur Blank is right to let it play out

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — There has been no “Win now, or else” mandate from Falcons owner Arthur Blank to coach Arthur Smith in recent days. “That’s what makes you sick to your stomach — we’ve had things on a platter for us and we didn’t make the play,” Smith said. It’s worth noting Blank has fired a coach in-season only …

Falcons’ Smith shaves mustache in sleepless night but keeps Heinicke as starting QB
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ Smith shaves mustache in sleepless night but keeps Heinicke as starting QB

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Arthur Smith has shaved his mustache and is keeping Taylor Heinicke as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback. Smith said Monday he is sticking with Heinicke for this week’s game at Arizona after the veteran produced mixed results in his first start for Atlanta. Following the game, Smith said “we have to change something to get over the hump.” …

Lots of questions, few answers after another Falcons loss: ‘We need to look in the mirror’
1 year, 1 month ago

Lots of questions, few answers after another Falcons loss: ‘We need to look in the mirror’

New York Times  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons started a quarterback Sunday whom they gave a two-year contract in the offseason. “We had our chances, and we didn’t get it done.” In what team owner Arthur Blank described in the preseason as “Year 3 of a three-year plan” under Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot, the Falcons have lost three of their last …

Falcons’ offense is failing, and that’s on Arthur Smith, not the quarterback
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ offense is failing, and that’s on Arthur Smith, not the quarterback

New York Times  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are going to be in the market for a quarterback after this season, barring some unlikely turn of events, like a herd of unicorns galloping down Peachtree and screaming, “Rise up!” next week, and even that seems more plausible right now than this team standing pat with Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. 3-ish Josh Dobbs, …

Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke always a locker room favorite, but how long will he start?
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke always a locker room favorite, but how long will he start?

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Taylor Heinicke played in his first big-time football game on Aug. 29, 2008. “I saw our kids getting up off the bench like, ‘He’s in,’” said Kevin Reach, Collins Hill’s then-offensive coordinator and soon-to-be head coach. “They were excited about it.” Fifteen years later and twenty miles up the road from that game against Parkview, Heinicke’s …

Falcons bench Desmond Ridder, announce Taylor Heinicke as starter against Vikings
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons bench Desmond Ridder, announce Taylor Heinicke as starter against Vikings

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Taylor Heinicke said he’s focusing only on one game and not his long-term role after moving past turnover-plagued Desmond Ridder as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback against the Minnesota Vikings. Smith said Wednesday that Ridder is “clear and available” and will be Heinicke’s top backup against the Vikings. When asked if Heinicke could win the job …

Falcons name Taylor Heinicke as starting QB vs. Vikings
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons name Taylor Heinicke as starting QB vs. Vikings

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons will start veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke over Desmond Ridder on Sunday. “Just for this week with all the variables and doing what is best for this week, Taylor will play this week,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Wednesday. The Vikings will be starting rookie quarterback Jaren Hall following Kirk Cousins’ season-ending Achilles tear, …

Falcons appear to have a QB controversy after Heinicke shines, Ridder struggles
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons appear to have a QB controversy after Heinicke shines, Ridder struggles

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are trying to downplay any talk of a quarterback controversy. My concern is Des.” Heinicke led the Falcons on four scoring drives — two touchdowns and two field goals — while completing 12 of 21 passes for 171 yards. “There’s a lot of things in all games that we can clean up and be better …

Falcons’ best chance to win now might be Taylor Heinicke, not Desmond Ridder
1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ best chance to win now might be Taylor Heinicke, not Desmond Ridder

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — This might sound strange after he endured more than two years of a rebuild that included trading two franchise icons, watched his team’s owner play contract footsie with Deshaun Watson and went 14-20 with far too many minimum-salary veterans. It would be naïve to believe that didn’t impact Smith’s decision to stick with backup Taylor Heinicke …

Atlanta coach Arthur Smith insists benching Ridder for Heinicke for safety, not performance
1 year, 1 month ago

Atlanta coach Arthur Smith insists benching Ridder for Heinicke for safety, not performance

Associated Press  

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Atlanta coach Arthur Smith was asked several different ways, and his answer Sunday on changing quarterbacks at halftime came down to protecting Desmond Ridder after the starter was evaluated for a concussion. “He’s thrown the ball pretty well,” Smith said of Ridder. “Obviously, we’ve got a lot of confidence in him as our starter.” Heinicke managed to …

Falcons’ Ridder aims to eliminate turnovers while continuing to provide balance to offense
1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons’ Ridder aims to eliminate turnovers while continuing to provide balance to offense

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons appeared to be committed to a run-first offense through the first four weeks of the season. Coach Arthur Smith says the offense is evolving, even if the changes have come with some pain, including Ridder’s three interceptions in last week’s 24-16 home loss to Washington. Even so, Ridder said Wednesday he hopes the …

Ridder suffers regression as another 3-turnover game handcuffs Falcons in loss to Commanders
1 year, 2 months ago

Ridder suffers regression as another 3-turnover game handcuffs Falcons in loss to Commanders

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Desmond Ridder’s second three-turnover game in his last three starts left the second-year quarterback open for renewed questions about his inconsistency and even his job security as the Atlanta Falcons’ starter. “Obviously, that’s tough right there to go out there and put up that showing,” Ridder said. Coach Arthur Smith was second-guessed for his decision to call for …

Falcons say Desmond Ridder proved Sunday what they’ve known: ‘He’s built for this’
1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons say Desmond Ridder proved Sunday what they’ve known: ‘He’s built for this’

New York Times  

ATLANTA — The voices questioning Desmond Ridder’s ability to lead the Atlanta Falcons or any other NFL team have been so loud that head coach Arthur Smith figures his quarterback would have had to spend the last week in “western Australia, the other end of the earth” not to hear them. “He’s a young player, getting better each and every …

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder facing questions about job security in test against C.J. Stroud, Texans
1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder facing questions about job security in test against C.J. Stroud, Texans

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — A fast start, and a home win, could take some heat off Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder. Falcons coach Arthur Smith said “the easy thing is to jerk the wheel” by benching Ridder after only four games in his first full season as the starter. “The last two results were hard to win, not getting off to a …

Falcons QB Ridder vows to shake off rough day after INTs in 23-7 loss to Jaguars
1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons QB Ridder vows to shake off rough day after INTs in 23-7 loss to Jaguars

Associated Press  

LONDON — Desmond Ridder hasn’t put up big numbers in his handful of NFL starts for the Atlanta Falcons. “The reality is we put ourselves in a whole — and we can’t turn the ball over,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. “So that’s something we’ve got to look at, and it’s not just one person.” Jacksonville stuffed the Falcons’ run-heavy …

Schultz: Arthur Smith’s big risk says a lot about him and why Falcons are 2-0
1 year, 3 months ago

Schultz: Arthur Smith’s big risk says a lot about him and why Falcons are 2-0

New York Times  

ATLANTA — Calais Campbell had nothing to do with the decision that ultimately decided a football game Sunday. He’s just the 307-pound defensive tackle who had his choice of destinations in free agency and chose the Atlanta Falcons in part because of what he saw from coach Arthur Smith on Sunday. It’s exactly what I understood about him and it’s …

Falcons coach Arthur Smith brushes off dismal passing stats following opening win over Panthers
1 year, 3 months ago

Falcons coach Arthur Smith brushes off dismal passing stats following opening win over Panthers

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Arthur Smith wanted to relish his first winning record in his three seasons as the Atlanta Falcons’ coach. In his news conference following Sunday’s 24-10 season-opening win over the Carolina Panthers, Smith wasn’t interested in a question which began by noting that his quarterback, Desmond Ridder, had more catches than his No. It was not a great showing …

Smith ‘amped up’ as Falcons enter training camp with raised expectations
1 year, 4 months ago

Smith ‘amped up’ as Falcons enter training camp with raised expectations

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Arthur Smith revealed a new moustache on the Atlanta Falcons’ opening day of training camp. “Obviously, he wasn’t the starter last year until he was, but now he’s the full-time starter, so he has stepped into the new role and he’s stepping up and being more vocal,” Pitts said. “He’s the quarterback and we’ve got to …

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