3 Coaching adjustments the Atlanta Falcons must make in week 3

2. Atlanta must improve inside the twenty

The coaching staff might have changed but Atlanta’s struggles to score touchdowns when they are driving has not. Atlanta has Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Cordarrelle Patterson all at their disposal and still is unable to consistently score through the first two games. Part of this is poor execution from Marcus Mariota the other has been poor play calling.

Whether it is putting Mariota in the shotgun in short yardage situations or calling predictable run plays Atlanta struggles in short yardage situations or when they get close to the end zone. This comes down to play calling and practice.

Arthur Smith’s team needs to show consistent growth in be able to score touchdowns and not settle as they so often do. The first drive of the Rams game is the latest example in a great opening drive that could have changed the tone of the game. Instead Atlanta came up short and missed a field goal attempt that started the Rams impressive offensive run.

Atlanta must find a way to improve both in short yardage situations and when they get within striking distance. Perhaps the change that Arthur Smith needs to make is pivoting to rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder. Regardless, the Falcons must find a way to show growth this season or Arthur Smith’s seat might begin to grow increasingly warm this off-season.