I don't know where I am on this

1. mike smith is a quality coach and people here are taking for granted how difficult that is to find in the NFL...so in that sense I hope they fire him because he has led them to a few 10 win seasons and playoff appearances. Look at his home record, what other falcons coach has had that success? If they fire him though, the likelihood of disaster is higher than the likelihood they hire a sean payton type

2. His teams lack toughness. They are quick to throw in the towel and they have a soft demeanor on the field. I think this is a reflection of smith. His teams can play hard for him, but not with any consistency.

3. I don't think Smith is capable of navigating the playoff field all the way to a championship. There are always going to be close games, and while his daddy is known for gutsy calls, smith just makes boneheaded decisions and his game management isn't very good.

4. His teams aren't loaded. jackitrioff has really ensured he has zero depth and totally mismanaged the roster, and all the while this is his first losing season...impressive.

People are underestimating how vital Tony Gonz. was to that offense. They had such redzone troubles last year, but now they're likely to get worse. Gonzalez made it easier for Julio jones too, and cap teeth leaned on him heavily on 3rd down...their lines are terrible. It's really hard to see that as a recipe for success; however, mike smith isn't a bad coach and they do have a very slightly above average qb with an explosive wideouts that will give them TDs...9-7

This post was edited on 7/29/14 at 8:39 am

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Posted by flyAU

Scottsdale

Member since Dec 2010

24860 posts

Posted on 7/29/14 at 8:48 am to DelU249

quote:
Fox Mulder

That is a very fair assessment.

It will be interesting to see if they are able to change up the dynamics with Gonzalez being gone.

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Posted by hiltacular

NYC

Member since Jan 2011

19706 posts

Posted on 7/29/14 at 9:05 am to DelU249

To address the OP, unless the Falcons win 4 or less, I really can't see Smith being fired. He is still the most successful coach in Falcons history (yes yes, laugh etc). 5-8 wins and his seat is on fire going into 2015 season. Anything less than the playoffs that year and he is gone.

quote:
3. I don't think Smith is capable of navigating the playoff field all the way to a championship. There are always going to be close games, and while his daddy is known for gutsy calls, smith just makes boneheaded decisions and his game management isn't very good.

Comments like this I don't totally agree with. Say what you will but the falcons were 10 yards and a second half meltdown away from going to the superbowl. I know that doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things but it's hard to completely dismiss the dude when we were so close 2 years ago.

The biggest issue with the falcons is lack of depth due to:a)JJ trade and b)overall poor drafting and FA moves.

Last year was a prime example, when fully healthy, the falcons are good enough to make the playoffs or come very close just about any year with the core they have. However, take away 1 of those pieces and it is a dumpster fire. I do think that if you take away the best player on a team just about anyone will struggle, but with the Falcons, taking away JJ was huge. Our entire offensive gameplan revolves around him and defenses having to adjust specifically for him which then opens up other areas. Take him away and teams stack the box and we are terrible.

Losing Tony G. will ultimately show me who Matt Ryan is I think. He is either one of the better qbs in the league and will make it work without him or will struggle not having his "crutch" or safety to bail him out.

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Posted by Damn Good Dawg