ATLANTA — One of these days, head coach Arthur Smith’s bet-the-mortgage play-calling is going to backfire. One of these days, rookie Bijan Robinson is going to run into a defense he can’t shrug off like a light windbreaker. One of these days, quarterback Desmond Ridder’s chaotic backfield energy won’t be enough to rally the Atlanta Falcons to victory.
Sunday, however, was not that day. After a shaky start, Atlanta found its footing and caught the Packers to win 25-24. A 58th-minute field goal proved the margin of victory, but what truly made the difference Sunday was Smith’s willingness to gamble, Robinson’s elusiveness and Ridder’s growth as a passer.