The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in a familiar predicament as they face the possibility of a third consecutive losing season under the leadership of head coach Arthur Smith. With their current record standing at 6-8, the Falcons would need to win all three remaining games to salvage their hopes of a playoff berth.

Their recent loss to the Carolina Panthers, the worst team in the NFL, dealt a crushing blow to Atlanta's postseason aspirations. The 9-7 defeat virtually extinguished any glimmer of hope the Falcons had left, leaving owner Arthur Blank with a difficult decision to make regarding Smith's future as head coach.

Smith's decision to bench struggling second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder in favor of Taylor Heinicke has failed to improve the team's fortunes. Additionally, there have been accusations of the mismanagement of Bijan Robinson, a talented running back drafted eighth overall by the Falcons in April.

Blank, in an interview with Georgia Public Broadcasting's Jeff Hullinger, stated that while the team remains committed to Smith for the final three games of the season, no guarantee has been made beyond that. The owner acknowledged the disappointing year, with fans, players, and coaches alike expressing their frustrations.

Reflecting on the team's performance, Blank emphasized that making the playoffs this year was not a requirement for Smith to retain his job. However, he acknowledged that the team's competitiveness has been mixed, a sentiment echoed by Smith himself. The owner spoke highly of Smith's character and values, but noted the need to assess the team's position at the end of the season.

Blank emphasized that as an owner, his priority lies in fielding a competitive team and delivering a product that represents the best of their roster. He expressed confidence in having the right people to make decisions and ensure the team's success, stating that he does not want to interfere in player selection.

As the regular season winds down, the fate of Arthur Smith as the Falcons' head coach remains uncertain. The final determination is expected to be made on January 8, 2024, commonly known as Black Monday, the day after the culmination of the NFL season. Until then, Falcons fans will anxiously await news on what lies ahead for their beloved team and its leadership.