After enjoying a 29-10 over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16, the Atlanta Falcons and head coach Arthur Smith are in a two-game losing streak after terribly going down to the New Orleans Saints in Week 18. The team’s 2023 NFL season has been marked by uncertainties, as they failed to maintain their winning streak.
Smith has been scrutinized by the NFL community several times for his game decision. With seven wins and ten losses, the team is sitting in the third spot in the NFC South. Meanwhile, their recent 17-48 loss sparked a new controversy as the team’s coach Smith was spotted throwing digs at the Saints head coach Dennis Allen following the campaign.
Arthur Smith lashes out at Dennis Allen
A fiery confrontation between Arthur Smith and Dennis Allen erupted following the Sunday matchup at the Superdome. The Saints emerged victorious with a commanding 48-17 win over the Falcons, but it was the manner of the final touchdown that sparked controversy and fueled Smith’s ire.
As the customary postgame handshake emerged, Arthur Smith, visibly agitated, unleashed a profanity-laden tirade at Allen. He expressed his frustration over what he perceived as an unnecessary play, marked by Jamaal Williams’ late touchdown. The lack of a traditional handshake was conspicuous, with the Falcons coach confronting the Saints coach directly by exclaiming how it was “fing bull*.” Allen, in response, said, “I understand.”
Arthur Smith expressed his disappointment during the press conference as well by acknowledging the Saints’ success in capitalizing on turnovers and delivering decisive blows in the second half. He highlighted how such a conclusion to the season was not ideal, especially given the circumstances.
“Nobody wants to end the season like that. But credit to them. They made the plays—certainly in the second half. It got out of hand. You can do whatever you want. I just gave them my opinion about it. But it doesn’t take away the fact that they beat us in the second half, they took advantage of our turnovers, and they hit some shots”, he said.
Meanwhile, Allen swiftly offered an apology during his own postgame interview, admitting fault and expressing remorse for the unauthorized play that resulted in the controversial touchdown. He clarified that the decision to score was against the team’s principles, saying “That’s not who we are, not what we’re about.”
Williams’ touchdown, albeit in garbage time, increased the tension between the coaching staff of both teams. For Smith, already facing the looming uncertainty of his job security, the incident added insult to injury.
Saints defeat Falcons
In their season finale match against the Falcons at the Caesars Superdome, the Saints sealed their regular season with an incredible 48-17 victory. The game’s turning point surfaced early in the second half, thanks to cornerback Alontae Taylor’s interception of Falcons’ quarterback Desmond Ridder as it set the stage for a rapid offensive surge from the squad.
The Saints Quarterback Derek Carr, who has been trolled recently for trying to initiate a pay-cut, sealed a stunning 26-yard touchdown connection with receiver Chris Olave, resulting in a breathtaking juggling catch that paved the way for the team to a commanding 24-17 lead. Carr’s momentum persisted, as he swiftly found receiver Rashid Shaheed for a dazzling 39-yard touchdown pass to increase their lead.
Kicker Blake Grupe added a 29-yard field goal, extending the Saints’ advantage to 34-17 with a mere 10 minutes remaining in the game. Payton Turner triggered yet another momentum swing and enabled his signal-caller to record a six-yard touchdown pass to A.T. Perry.
Despite being tackled at the 1-yard line after a 74-yard return, they maintained their composure. Running back Williams plunged in for a decisive 1-yard dive, concluding the game with a resounding 48-17 victory over the Falcons.
However, the Saints’ playoff aspirations hang in the balance, contingent upon the outcomes of other teams’ performances while the Falcons concluded their season at 7-10.
