ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons’ best offensive showing of the season may not provide much clarity in team owner Arthur Blank’s decision on coach Arthur Smith’s future.
Smith’s third quarterback change of the season, benching Desmond Ridder for the second time and starting Taylor Heinicke in Sunday’s 29-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts, led to the offensive success. The Falcons (7-8) committed no turnovers and gained 406 yards while protecting their longshot playoff hopes.
“It helps. He’s got a lot of experience, and you could feel it,” Smith said of Heinicke.
Heinicke’s turnover-free game against the Colts prompts an obvious question: Would the Falcons be in better playoff position if the veteran had started the previous two games, devastating losses to Tampa Bay and Carolina?
Ridder’s failure to show progress through his second season are negatives for Smith and his offensive staff. Opening the season with Ridder as the starter made sense. Sticking with Ridder so long in two stints as the starter, including in his season-defining, red zone interception late in last week’s 9-7 loss at Carolina, may be seen as red marks on the coach’s report card.