It often doesn’t take long for a new head coach to be under pressure. While expectations weren’t necessarily high for the Falcons, the hope was for the new regime to be creative, meticulous, and shrewd in setting up strategic game plans. That hasn’t quite been the case for Arthur Smith in two games.
The offensive line’s ineptitude has significantly affected the offense’s ability to move the ball in the air and on the ground. Facing double-digit deficits early in games is never ideal, particularly for a head coach who wants to be balanced by running the ball. Smith can’t be in control of everything when offensive linemen are blowing assignments or passes are being down at the line of scrimmage.