The Atlanta Falcons have underachieved all season long, but somehow it hasn’t seemed to matter. Despite suffering a 37-17 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, the Falcons caught a break as the Buccaneers also lost to the Saints.
At 7-9, Atlanta is still alive in the NFC South race with one week left to play. However, the chance for a playoff berth isn’t quite as appealing to fans since it would likely mean the return of head coach Arthur Smith for a fourth season.
Falcons fans on Twitter were ready to leave Smith in 2023 following Sunday’s 37-17 loss to the Bears on New Year’s Eve.
Getting blown out by the bears seems like a solid reason to not bring the coach back
— Carlton (@CrispyCarlton) December 31, 2023
How do you look fans in the face and say “This is good enough”?
— kenny g. (@Gritz_Blitz) December 31, 2023
Arthur Blank, you sure last week was enough for Arthur Smith to keep his job???
— A M B E Z Y (@bezy_bby) December 31, 2023
I’m done speaking on Arthur Smith. It’s clear what needs to be done. That’s it.
— Cam Marino (@MarinoNFL) December 31, 2023
Mike Smith went 66-36, fired after TWO straight losing seasons.
Dan Quinn went 43-42. Fired after 2 1/4 straight losing seasons.
Arthur smith is 21-28 and on pace THREE straight losing seasons and is going to be retained…
Make it make sense 🤦🏻♂️
— The Falcons Nest Podcast (@TheNestPodcast_) December 31, 2023
sources say 4-11 but I’m counting this as 3-12 since he risked a timeout over 3 yards
— Tre'Shon (@tre3shon) December 31, 2023
The Falcons are assured of a below-.500 finish for the sixth consecutive season.
— Mike Conti (@MikeConti929) December 31, 2023
Nice job by CBS to highlight the confusion on third down between Heinicke and London & Pitts. That sums up the Falcons offense this season. Attention to detail just isn't there on a snap to snap basis.
— Allen Strk (@allenstrk) December 31, 2023
Hard not to feel like the last three years have been a complete waste of time. A franchise quarterback can help turn a team around, but this regime inspires little confidence that they’ll be able to acquire such a player. https://t.co/a8SIHGRZU4
— kenny g. (@Gritz_Blitz) December 31, 2023
Hope we can restart the firing conversation.
— Kevin Knight (@FalcoholicKevin) December 31, 2023
Arthur Smith has put us in the position of rooting for the Saints today
The man is a criminal
— (Fire Smith) Rise Up Ridder (@RiseUpReader) December 31, 2023
Atlanta Falcons lose 37-17 to Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. ATL moves to 7-9 on the season. Somehow, some way they're still in the hunt for the NFC South crown, which makes complete sense in this division.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) December 31, 2023
Me showing up to the Falcons facility tomorrow
— Andy (@AndySGallagher) December 31, 2023
While things are going poorly for Atlanta in Chicago …. the wheels seem to be falling off for Tampa Bay.
Trail New Orleans 17-0 in the third quarter.
If results hold, a Bucs loss to Carolina + Atlanta win in New Orleans next week would give Atlanta the NFC South.
Somehow.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) December 31, 2023
"It's a recipe for a bad result." Arthur Smith said the Falcons slow start in terms of not scoring points combined with four turnovers presented the loss.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) December 31, 2023
Desmond Ridder's return to the field featuring a fumbled snap feels weirdly fitting.
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) December 31, 2023
Justin Fields to Atlanta talk heats up
Hey Bear go ahead and draft Caleb please we will take Justin off y’all hands no problem. If y’all feel like he fighting for his job than go ahead and pick a new qb and let my birds get him so he can back home and feel comfortable balling.
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) December 31, 2023
Now I’m thinking Chicago would be crazy to trade Fields away.
— Ev Glaze (@Everett_G07) December 31, 2023
— (Fire Smith) Rise Up Ridder (@RiseUpReader) December 31, 2023
Justin Fields is gonna be a good dang QB for someone next year. Playing good dang ball down the stretch. Somebody has a hard decision to make.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) December 31, 2023
#Falcons passed on Fields for Kyle Pitts. Today #Bears QB Justin Fields is balling and Pitts has 0 catches on 2 targets.
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) December 31, 2023
Justin Fields with an absolute dime in this blizzard pic.twitter.com/CHzbySqmMG
— Tre'Shon (@tre3shon) December 31, 2023
