Atlanta Falcons running back Antone Smith (35) runs against the Chicago Bears during their game, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, in Atlanta.ATLANTA – The elephant in the Atlanta Falcons’ locker room stands 5-feet-9, weighs 192 pounds and answers to Antone Smith.
On those rare occasions he sees the football field he is very, very good. So good, in fact, that he is averaging 56.3 yards for each receiving touchdown he’s scored this season, including Sunday’s 41-yard TD reception against the Chicago Bears.
Trouble is, Smith touched the football a grand total of six times against Da Bears, running twice for five yards and catching four passes total for 64 yards and that one magical score. And with that limited productivity from their too secret weapon, the Falcons fell 27-13, their fourth loss in six games, but their first defeat all year inside the Georgia Dome after two lopsided wins.
“We’ve got the talent, we’ve just got to get it done” Smith said as he stood in front of his locker room cubicle, clearly uncomfortable answering questions about his lack of playing time. “I just want to win. Whatever I can do to help us win, I’ll do.”
Some might say the six-year veteran out of Florida State is being asked to do too much that has nothing to do with offense, given his obvious offensive skills on a team that has obvious offensive weaknesses.