In a strategic move reminiscent of a game of chess, Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was praised for his calculated approach in the team’s recent matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Smith’s tactics were compared to playing chess rather than checkers, demonstrating his ability to think several moves ahead.
One key aspect of the game was quarterback Justin Fields’ playing style, which involved exclusively throwing the ball outside the hashes and avoiding targeting the middle of the field. While some may have questioned this strategy, it was later revealed that it was all part of the plan. Smith explained, “Considering the Falcons have two All-Pro safeties on the back end, it was a deliberate choice to limit our passing game in that direction.”
Following the game, Bengals safety Jessie Bates reached out to Smith with some thoughts on a crucial play involving wide receiver George Pickens just before halftime. Bates admitted, “You caught me sleeping right before the half.” Smith responded by saying, “Yeah, we lulled you to sleep, caught you off guard. It was all part of the plan, setting you up for that situation.”
While Smith and the Falcons’ offense ultimately fell short in getting into the end zone, they did manage to establish multiple long, clock-draining drives in Week 1. This bodes well for the team moving forward, as they look to improve their red zone efficiency and capitalize on their promising offensive performances. Smith emphasized the importance of converting these sustained drives into touchdowns, rather than settling for field goals.
In reflecting on the game, Smith also took a moment to acknowledge the impact of the Steelers’ defense, particularly singling out linebacker T.J. Watt. Smith praised Watt as their own “Jason Bourne,” highlighting his disruptive influence on the game. He contrasted Watt’s performance with that of the Falcons’ defense, suggesting that the Steelers’ defensive standout had a more significant impact on the outcome.
The chess-like precision of Arthur Smith’s play-calling, coupled with the team’s promising offensive displays, indicates that the Falcons are a force to be reckoned with this season. As they continue to fine-tune their strategies and execution, they aim to convert their strong performances into victories on the field.