Falcons Coach Arthur Smith Under Fire From Fans And Fantasy Players After Horrific Offensive Performance

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith possesses a wealth of skill talent at his disposal. Nevertheless, the offense consistently fails to meet expectations, leaving both Falcons fans and fantasy football enthusiasts perplexed.

This trend persisted on Sunday, with the Falcons’ offense managing only seven points in a disappointing 9-7 loss to the struggling Carolina Panthers. The defeat dropped the Falcons to a 6-8 record, trailing the Saints and Buccaneers by a game in the NFC South and similarly in the NFC Wild Card race. Given that this setback occurred against the 1-12 Carolina Panthers, it stands out as a particularly egregious loss at this stage of the season.

It’s essential to note that when a defense prevents the opposition from scoring a touchdown throughout the entire game, the responsibility for the loss falls squarely on the offense. Despite challenging weather conditions, the Falcons’ offense produced a measly 202 total yards, while the Panthers, with a less talented roster, managed 283 yards under the same adverse conditions.

 

The Falcons’ offense, boasting three consecutive top-ten picks in tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London, and running back Bijan Robinson, alongside a solid offensive line, should not be posting such dismal numbers. The blame ultimately rests on Arthur Smith, especially when those top picks received a mere thirteen touches combined on Sunday, whereas Tyler Allgeier alone had fourteen touches. This decision raises questions about why valuable first-round picks are made if the team does not utilize these players effectively.

From a fantasy football perspective, the timing of this offensive struggle coincided with the first week of playoffs for many leagues. London and Pitts proved to be risky fantasy plays, and those who chose them faced the consequences. However, the most perplexing aspect was the limited involvement of Bijan Robinson, arguably the team’s best player, who received only eight touches in a crucial must-win game. Arthur Smith’s questionable decisions not only jeopardized the Falcons’ season but also had ramifications for countless fantasy football players.

Fortunately for Falcons fans, there is optimism that Smith will not continue in his role next year, potentially bringing better days ahead for the team.