Even with a win against the Saints on Sunday, there’s no disputing this season has been a disappointing one for the Falcons. The best possible record the team could finish with is 8-9, which would be just a one-game improvement from the past two seasons. The team spent the offseason drafting and acquiring the type of talent that should have produced better results. Coach Arthur Smith has taken the brunt of the blame from the fanbase for the team’s lack of offensive productivity.
The defense has not held up its end of the bargain on a weekly basis, especially last week in a brutal loss to the Bears. With talent like Bijan Robinson and Drake London and a solid offensive line, the team should have been able to be more competitive. Individual performances have been solid, but the team hasn’t been able to put together enough complete games.
The premise of bringing Coach Smith back would be that if the team brings in a quarterback via the draft, trade or free agency that can play even league-average level the team would have much different results in 2024. Inconsistency and lack of growth would be the reasons to make a change.