re: Falocons fans: How much time is left for Mike Smith?

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.

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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.

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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.