Amidst a challenging season for the Atlanta Falcons, currently holding a 6-8 record, there is still hope for a playoff berth. Head coach Arthur Smith addressed the media after being fined by the NFL for failing to disclose rookie running back Bijan Robinson’s illness earlier in the season.
Despite facing adversity, the Falcons remain in the playoff race with critical matchups against the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints in the coming weeks. The Colts, on a surprising hot streak, pose a significant challenge for Atlanta, while a road contest against the Saints awaits them to close out the regular season.
Coach Smith acknowledged the league’s perspective on the matter and expressed that he has learned from the situation. The fine stems from the failure to disclose Robinson’s illness, who has been a standout performer for the Falcons this season. In 14 games, Robinson has accumulated 801 rushing yards, 323 receiving yards, and seven total touchdowns, making him a crucial asset to the team.
Despite the Falcons’ overall offensive struggles, ranking as a relatively weak unit, they find themselves in the top ten in rushing yards, thanks in large part to Robinson’s productivity. The young running back’s contributions have been complemented by second-year wide receiver Drake London, who has amassed 769 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game.
Atlanta’s playoff hopes are significant for a franchise that has not seen postseason action since the 2017 season. The Falcons’ last playoff appearance followed the infamous Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots, where they squandered a 25-point lead. Since then, they have struggled to achieve a winning record.
While the Falcons are undoubtedly a work in progress, securing a wild card playoff spot would mark a significant step forward in their rebuilding process. As they navigate the challenges ahead, the lessons learned by Coach Smith and the continued contributions of key players like Robinson and London will play a crucial role in determining the team’s success in the remainder of the season.
Arthur Smith says "lesson learned" after NFL fines him for breaking injury report rules. https://t.co/fpPPCzRR1a
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 22, 2023
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