The Arthur Smith Rebuild Phase

Lore & Background

Arthur Smith's tenure was defined by a focus on a strong running game and defensive improvements, but the Falcons never posted a winning record under his leadership. Key moments included a dramatic overtime win against the Buccaneers in 2022 and the development of young talent like tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson.

In Their Own Story

The practice field hummed with the rhythmic thud of pads colliding under the Georgia sun. Arthur Smith stood on the sideline, clipboard in hand, watching his quarterback execute a play-action fake before handing off to the running back. The crowd noise from Mercedes-Benz Stadium was distant here, but the intensity was palpable. It was about establishing the rhythm, one snap at a time, building a foundation of physicality that would define this specific chapter of Falcon football.

Reader's Guide

The Falcons won a coin toss on February 22, 2008, giving them the 3rd overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft. They used that pick to draft Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan. They also traded two second-round picks (No. 34 and No. 48) and a fourth-round pick (No. 103) to the Washington Redskins to move to No. 21 overall and select USC tackle Sam Baker.

Did You Know?

• The Falcons finished with a 7–10 record in 2021, Arthur Smith's first season.
• Arthur Smith previously served as offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans.
• The Falcons selected tight end Kyle Pitts with the 4th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
• The Falcons traded one second-round pick and one fourth-round pick to move up and select Sam Baker in the first round.