Atlanta Falcons: Arthur Smith is all business, brings new energy

Although it’s still very early, new head coach Arthur Smith has already breathed new life into the Atlanta Falcons and the optimism is real. 

A fresh breath of air and new life are two all too common clichés used in the sports world. For the Atlanta Falcons‘ 2021 season, however, both apply in a figurative sense.

Gone are the overused brotherhood phrase, the corny slogans and catchphrases. It is so refreshing to have a real head coach in Arthur Smith who does not have hackneyed terms as part of his vocabulary. Smith is a no-nonsense, down to earth, meticulous head coach. After the first three days of training camp, the new attitude and work ethic that he has instilled in his team is palpable.

Stud defensive tackle Grady Jarrett addressed the media after the first day of practice. One of the first things he said was it’s fun being under a new regime.Jarrett also added that gone are the slogans or whatever. The best players are going to play and the toughest players are going to play.

That is exactly what Atlanta Falcons need to hear. What Jarrett is saying is that it’s all business in training camp now with Smith at the helm. Smith holds himself, players and coaches accountable. There is no fluff or coachspeak when he talks and addresses the media. He did not take this job to become buddies with his players or make nice with anybody. He is focused on the task at hand and is very passionate about football.

Smith exudes professionalism and intelligence as well. This is the polar opposite of Dan Quinn, who mainly stood in front of reporters with the deer in the headlights look. He is all about playing football and putting a winning product on the field. We all are very familiar with his success as offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans.

Just look what he did for quarterback Ryan Tanneyhill’s success the past couple of seasons. He is an offensive genius when it comes to calling plays.

What should Atlanta Falcons fans hope for from Arthur Smith in 2021?

The hope is that Smith will help revert Matt Ryan back to his MVP season in 2016. Not that he desperately needs his career resurrected, but a new bolt of energy can only help put the staleness from the past two seasons to bed for good.

He also seems to have somewhat of an old-school demeanor — almost a little bit of Bill Belichick in him.

One thing is clear, Smith will have his team play hard every week and play the game the right way. Long gone should be the days of sloppy, unprepared and undisciplined football that fans were so accustomed to seeing on a weekly basis the past couple of seasons.

New general manager Terry Fontenot will be successful in building or rebuilding this team moving forward their way. They both come from winning and successful organizations.

Unfortunately but realistically, a lack of overall talent, specifically on the defensive side of the ball, might dampen Smith’s first year or two at the helm. Fans must be very patient though, as championship teams aren’t built overnight.