The Atlanta Falcons have lost five of their last seven games after starting the season with a 2-0 record. As things continue to trend in the wrong direction, head coach Arthur Smith has faced increased scrutiny.
Whether it’s criticism of his play-calling or tight-lipped demeanor when it comes to revealing injury information, Smith is starting to get under the fans’ skin.
On Wednesday, the Falcons head coach talked about Bijan Robinson’s usage, the quarterback carousel and his own tendency to protect players when it comes to revealing information.
Smith on QB1: 'We're not going to play musical chairs'
Falcons HC Arthur Smith on the QBs: "We're not going to play musical chairs."
Whoever they go with after the bye will likely be the quarterback the rest of the way.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) November 8, 2023
Here's the full question/response 👇
"So many things that go into it. It's not always on the QB. Sometimes it's the matchups, it's the way things are trending, but I think in the end, it'll all work itself out… But they're completely different situations in the last year." https://t.co/pssqXCTsjj pic.twitter.com/gXZodef9Kx
— Kelly Price (@thekellyprice) November 8, 2023
More from Falcons head coach Arthur Smith on the matter: "I've got a lot of flaws, but I will always be protective of our players behind the scenes."
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) November 8, 2023
The chairs https://t.co/g3paLsyS04 pic.twitter.com/kNigW8wR4G
— Chris Robinson (@chrisleerob) November 8, 2023
Why has nobody else ever thought about rotating their QBs based on matchup? He’s feeling the pressure https://t.co/RrTDNjrYNU
— Andy (@AndySGallagher) November 8, 2023
#Falcons HC Arthur Smith gave a 5+ minute explanation today as to why Bijan Robinson isn't getting touches in the redzone…
(📽️ @AtlantaFalcons) pic.twitter.com/ou0KabruP8
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 8, 2023
Been saying there’s something else going on behind the scenes. Things just aren’t making sense https://t.co/sy8CLysiq2
— ATL F – Treme (@Atlf_treme) November 8, 2023
Is it really protecting the players if you just went "he's being benched for private reasons" https://t.co/cdgBGryJM8
— Carlton (@CrispyCarlton) November 8, 2023
I am going to keep things in house. it’s wayyyyy worse than you guys know. *shrugs* wish I could tell ya but my lips are sealed. the things we see in private would haunt many of you for the rest of your lives.
— Tre'Shon (@tre3shon) November 8, 2023
Arthur Smith says he and Cordarrelle Patterson have “a great relationship” and referenced the “toxic side” of social media when asked about CP’s viral video showcasing his playmaking #dirtybirds
— DukesandBell929 (@DukesandBell929) November 8, 2023
He’s literally the one playing musical chairs with the quarterbacks. He said this week it’s possible they go back to Ridder. I hate this motherfucka. I’m sorry. I’d rather have Bobby Petrino quit on the team again mid season than to have AS. https://t.co/4A27SXcKrx
— JazzyJeffRealTalk (@JazzyJeffRealT1) November 8, 2023
If they won't play musical chairs, I don't see how they go back to Ridder. If they beat the Cards and play a solidly clean game, it's Heinicke going forward. If they blow it, you basically benched the QB that had you in the division lead to go 0-2 for what? https://t.co/XSOBtP1GbQ
— King's Landing (@___theKing___) November 8, 2023
He’s vouching for the players he selected yet can’t perform with… y’all lock in that seat about to get WARM https://t.co/jfFGAc3SUZ pic.twitter.com/leGL2QXV6h
— Jack (@LowkeyJack19) November 8, 2023
Maybe it's a mental health thing? felt like he had the yips in the red zone and might have needed to see someone about it.
— 𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒕 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒌 🐦⬛🏈🇬🇪🇺🇦🇱🇻 (@CarasikS) November 8, 2023
It’s going to be Ridder lol he’s allowing him to sit these 2 games to get his mind right after all the turnovers. Regardless, Falcons are in QB hell lol https://t.co/8QfxHD9GkS
— p0p_ (@mattp0p_) November 8, 2023
Bros really starting to piss me off https://t.co/vbAzvXt6WP
— Jake #DirtyBirds and 102 others (@JakeyIce02) November 8, 2023
That’s fine, be protective of them behind the scenes, but on the big screen, utilize their abilities. There’s no reason Pitts isn’t getting AT LEAST two deep ball attempts a game, and 5 targets. There’s no reason Bijan has ONE carry inside the 5. Scrap your playbook. https://t.co/ghzlnEqkLv
— 𝙕𝙖𝙘𝙝 🤳🏼 (@stiz23) November 8, 2023
My read:
If he chooses Heinicke, he has been told his job is seriously in jeopardy and can’t afford more time to develop Ridder.
If he chooses Ridder, he’s likely safe for one more season.
I feel like Blank wants the division this year. https://t.co/S1jldwojTs
— Rise Up Ridder (@RiseUpReader) November 8, 2023
This dude 😒 https://t.co/cgBzxynzeP pic.twitter.com/Zi2JXxBuet
— Anthony Romero 🇺🇸🇪🇸 (@AnthonyJRomero) November 8, 2023
We are becoming dysfunctional. https://t.co/NyEejuS6tb
— BroTalk (4-5) (@BKsquared7) November 8, 2023
