The Atlanta Falcons have gone 6-7 through their first 13 games of the season, setting up the most critical four-game stretch of Arthur Smith’s tenure as head coach. An NFC South title is still a possibility, but it’s tough to know which Falcons team will show up each week.
Regardless if Atlanta makes the playoffs or not, there are several questions this team needs to answer over the final four weeks. Here are four things the Falcons must figure out by the end of the 2023 season.
1
Is Arthur Smith leading this team in the right direction?
Smith’s name has been dragged through the mud this season, but he simply hasn’t done a whole lot to give fans confidence. While Smith’s first two years weren’t great, everyone understood how flawed the roster was. It’s Year 3, though, and this team has too much talent to be 6-7. The NFC South is arguably the worst division in football and the Falcons had the easiest schedule in the NFL this season. At the end of the day, head coaches have to win to keep their jobs. It’s rare for someone to get a fourth year without producing at least one winning season.
2
Is Desmond Ridder the answer at QB?
The optimism around Ridder seems to be fading a little more each week. Is the former third-round pick the answer at quarterback, or is he simply a talented backup that we’re all expecting too much out of? Ridder’s turnover-prone nature hasn’t meshed well with the team’s identity of running the ball and playing good defense. For the season, Ridder has passed for 2,376 yards, nine touchdowns and nine interceptions, while rushing for another 195 yards and five touchdowns. He’s also lost six fumbles this season. The Falcons QB has four games left to prove he’s the answer beyond 2023.
3
Is Kyle Pitts the in team's long-term plans?
The Falcons must decide if they’re going to pick up Pitts’ fifth-year option this offseason. The 23-year-old is ultra-talented, but his production hasn’t matched his draft position over the last two seasons. Is this simply a byproduct of poor quarterback play, or is Pitts still injured? As a rookie, Pitts led the team with over 1,000 receiving yards, however, that was with Matt Ryan at QB. If both Smith and Ridder are back next year, Pitts may be in for another frustrating year as an afterthought on offense.
4
Should the Falcons re-sign CB Jeff Okudah?
Okuduah was drafted with the No. 2 overall pick in 2020 but injuries have hindered his career thus far. The Falcons gave up very little to acquire Okudah in a trade with the Lions during the offseason. The fourth-year cornerback has played well when healthy, forming a nice duo with No. 1 CB A.J. Terrell. Since Okudah is a free agent after the season, Atlanta must figure out if he’s in the team’s long-term plans. Rookie Clark Phillips has played well over the last few weeks and could be one potential to replace Okudah if he signs elsewhere.
