4 Things Atlanta Falcons HC Arthur Smith must improve in 2023

2.  Arthur Smith needs to prove the Atlanta Falcons can finish games

So often in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, the Falcons were just one play away from getting the win and putting themselves strongly back into playoff contention. Winning the games that mattered never seemed to happen, however, and a small part of that is on Arthur Smith. His ability to create offense with a team that has been shortchanged when it comes to talent speaks for itself.

However, at some point, that ability has to translate into meaningful wins and 2023 is the season that must happen for the Falcons. In fairness to Smith a large portion of late gameplay comes down to execution from the players and is completely out of his control.

The problem for Smith has been late-game playcalling whether it was an ill-advised Marcus Mariota pass when the run game is rolling or failing to call a key timeout Smith has shown progression but still has made mistakes that cost Atlanta over the past two seasons.

Coaches just like players often take time to develop and must make mistakes to improve. Smith has had two seasons of late-game situations to learn from and next year won’t have a poor roster to blame for any situational mistakes.