Despite the Atlanta Falcons’ recent struggles, including a three-game losing streak and a drop in performance after a promising 2-0 start, team owner Arthur Blank remains steadfast in his support of coach Arthur Smith. The Falcons, currently with a 4-6 record, find themselves below .500 and facing challenges in meeting preseason expectations as playoff contenders in the NFC South.
In the midst of external pressures and calls for changes, The Athletic reports that Blank, while refraining from public comments, has been privately supportive of Smith. The owner’s emotions, once more vocal in the early years of his ownership, now remain quieter, reflecting a more reserved stance on discussing the team’s highs and lows. Blank’s reported support for Smith behind the scenes aligns with the acknowledgment that he expects progress during the current season.
The report underscores that the decision to retain Smith is not surprising, given Blank’s history of midseason coaching changes. The Falcons made such a move only once under Blank in 2020 when they parted ways with Dan Quinn after an 0-5 start. However, the circumstances were different then, with the postseason nearly ruled out as no team had previously made the playoffs after an 0-5 start.
Despite their recent struggles, the Falcons, under Smith’s leadership, still have an opportunity to turn things around. Only one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the second spot in the division, and with a chance to reclaim first place if the New Orleans Saints face a loss, the Falcons aim to bounce back and make a playoff push with Smith at the helm.
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