Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is not a fan favorite at the moment.
The third-year head coach trended on X (formerly Twitter) Monday afternoon, never a good sign at a time of year when coaches often get the axe. And especially not a good sign for a coach whose team has lost five of seven games.
So why were X users so interested in Smith? As NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted, Smith shaved his mustache, but nobody logs onto social media to comment on facial hair.
Smith also announced that quarterback Taylor Heinicke will start Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Heinicke played reasonably well in the heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but that QB announcement would not be enough to move the X needle.
#Falcons coach Arthur Smith has not only shaved his mustache (finally) but also tells reporters that QB Taylor Heinicke will start this week against the #AZCardinals.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 6, 2023
So what made Smith such a hot topic? His personnel decisions. The Falcons have picked talented offensive playmakers in the top 10 of the last three NFL Drafts. Tight end Kyle Pitts (No. 4 in 2021) represented the highest pick spent on a tight end in NFL history. Wide receiver Drake London (No. 8 in 2022) and running back Bijan Robinson (No. 8 in 2023) were the top picks at their position in those respective drafts.
And Smith has been accused of under-utilizing those picks. Robinson, a former star at Texas who’s been labeled a generational talent by some, has averaged 12 touches per game the last two weeks. Meanwhile, backup running back Tyler Allgeier, a former fifth-round pick who is not regarded as a generational talent, and is running for 3.2 yards per carry this season, has averaged 11 touches the past two weeks.
While London and Pitts have both seen increased targets, many fans still feel they’re being overlooked. Pitts, who is athletic and can stretch the field, is averaging six touches per game this season.
So NFL fans checked in on Twitter to make some snarky comments about Smith’s personnel decisions. They had plenty of company.
Arthur Smith is a greater waste of abundant resources than the U.S. Congress.
— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) November 6, 2023
How about Bijan Robinson? Will he start him?
— Faraz Siddiqi (@farazsiddiqi) November 6, 2023
Will his first round pick and generational RB actually get reps though?
— Baku 🐧 (@Mazursky8895) November 6, 2023
ATL fans , what do you see good in this guy ? Honestly asking . Not a falcons fan.
— Aaron (@Coach_Them_Up) November 6, 2023
Please let Drake London finally get to start with Heineke.
— kMax, raised by wolves (@Unscrupulish) November 6, 2023
Possibly worst coach of all time who refuses to use the best RB in the league
— Barry Badrinath (@whoisbarry06) November 6, 2023
The man should be in prison for how he’s (not) utilizing Bijan Robinson
— Johnny R (@JohnRaesen) November 6, 2023
Did anyone tell him Bijan and Pitts exist on his team?
— Not Dan Campbell (@man__Campbell) November 6, 2023
Has he decided to utilize the talent he has on the offensive side of the ball?
— caidenjoshuabaker (@caidenbaker) November 6, 2023
