Atlanta Falcons: Arthur Smith has a long road ahead of him
As the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Arthur Smith has a long list of items to attend to.
Former Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has built a name for himself by creating a 2,000-yard running back in Derrick Henry, as well as revitalizing Ryan Tannehill’s career. Now, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, he will have a new role as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons under owner Arthur Blank. It seems like a good match with a large to-do list.
The Falcons franchise spent the 2020 season building a reputation for blowing large leads and late leads in a majority of their games. That philosophy had to change and, with it, the head coach and general manager were sent on their way. Now Smith will have the task of reshaping the culture of a team that still hasn’t truly overcome the collapse in Super Bowl LI.
Furthermore, the status of quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones begs questions as does the majority of the roster. In fairness, the franchise does have the fourth-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, meaning an opportunity to potentially select a franchise-changing player, similar to what Jones was back in 2011.
Arthur Smith does have a nice résume for the Falcons, but he has much to accomplish.
In Atlanta, the Falcons do not have a Henry as their running back nor do they have the type of offensive line that opens up such holes. However, to say it can’t be done is palpable and frankly, not worth hearing. It’s on Smith to do it.
Additionally, Smith needs to address the defense. Outside of Keanu Neal, Deion Jones and Grady Jarrett, an identity is lacking. In today’s NFL where offenses fly at such a high rate, a disciplined defense may be the way to bend the odds in your favor.
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Arthur Smith was the top choice for the Falcons and now he is where they wanted him. It’s all pleasure until the real work sets in. Is he capable of doing the job? Yes. What the results ultimately turn out to be, remains to be seen in Atlanta.