Blowing a 21-point lead in the NFL isn’t necessarily a way to endear yourself to your boss. And doing so while in the midst of a four-game losing streak won’t bode well for your job security.
This is the situation that Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith is in following a horrendous second-half meltdown against the Detroit Lions in London on Sunday.
Atlanta held a 21-0 lead heading into the half and was up by 11 when the fourth quarter started. Questionable clock management on Smith’s part coupled with lackluster play on both sides of the ball enabled the Lions to come back and win the game.
It now appears that Falcons owner Arthur Blank isn’t happy (via Atlanta Journal-Constitution).
You’re up 21-0. There’s no way you lose that game — just no way. There’s nothing else I can say.
This comment comes just weeks after Blank himself indicated the Falcons were too talented to be 2-4.
Now losers of five in a row and battling with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for last place in the worst division in football, the conversation has clearly turned to Smith’s job security. A team that was just a couple plays away from earning a trip to the Super Bowl back in 2012 is closer to selecting in the top five than it is to making the playoffs.
And no matter the injuries Atlanta has on the offensive line, there is no reason this team should be 6-18 in its last 24 games. With a bye coming up this week, we can fully expect Blank and general manager Thomas Dimitroff to discuss the future of Smith and the Falcons.
That much is guaranteed.
Photo: Fox Sports