The Atlanta Falcons will not be playing in next week's playoffs after losing to the New Orleans Saints on the road in Week 18.
But Falcons head coach Arthur Smith listened to Saints head coach Dennis Allen about the outcome of Sunday's crushing loss at the Superdome in New Orleans.
After the Saints regained their composure with a fumble recovery and a touchdown to go up 41-17 in the fourth quarter, the Falcons took their starters out of the game. Desmond Ridder's backup quarterback, Logan Woodside, took over and ultimately threw an interception to Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu, who returned the ball to Atlanta's 1-yard line.
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Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith speaks to reporters during training camp on July 29, 2021 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)
Rather than take a knee with 1:10 left, Allen decided to allow running back Jamaal Williams for a rushing touchdown to make it 48-17.
There's an unspoken rule in sports that says you can't beat a team when victory is at hand, but the Saints didn't seem to care in that moment.
So, after the clock hit zero and it was time for the customary head coach handshake, Smith immediately walked to the middle of the field, where he began yelling at Allen.
“That’s fucked up,” Smith can be heard saying to Allen.
“I understand that,” Allen replied to Smith.
Even before this play happened, the Falcons were out of playoff contention as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers to win their third straight NFC South title.
Photos show Falcons head coach Arthur Smith listening to Saints head coach Dennis Allen about how Sunday's carnage at the Superdome in New Orleans ended. This is what I did. (Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images/File)
If the Buccaneers had lost after beating the Falcons, the Saints would have secured the division.
Now, there are a lot of questions heading into Atlanta's offseason, especially regarding Smith and his coaching staff. Rumors have persisted for seasons that Smith would be fired by the Falcons in favor of another head coach.
Smith is in the spotlight after once again missing out on the playoffs due to poor conditions throughout the NFC South.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith faces an uncertain future after missing the playoffs again. (Michael Reeves/Getty Images/File)
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Smith took over as coach of the Falcons in 2021, but they have lost three straight years with a record of 7 wins and 10 losses.
