CBS NFL analyst Bryant McFadden stopped by the show Friday to discuss all the major headlines in the NFL. One major headline this week has been the status of both Arthur Smith and Desmond Ridder in Atlanta. Ridder was benched once again in favor of Taylor Heinicke and Coach Smith is under fire for the team’s 6-8 record.
McFadden feels that both quarterback and coach will be turned over in the offseason. Atlanta would have to win their final three games and have help from outside franchises in order to sneak into the playoffs. The past two losses against NFC South rivals Tampa & Carolina essentially sunk the ship for the Falcons to control their own destiny.
If the team can do the unlikely and win out there is a chance Coach Smith can make a case to Arthur Blank for another shot in 2024. It feels like without achieving that winning record to end the season at 9-8 in his third season at the helm it’s hard to justify a return. But that decision will ultimately come from Mr. Blank.