For head coach Arthur Smith, his role with the Atlanta Falcons is pretty straightforward.
He is there to lead the team to victory, regardless of who suits up every week.
Amidst roster changes and injuries, he must put the team in the best winning chance through strategy.
That could be the reason he did not acknowledge the team’s rebuild phase, as shared by Atlanta Journal-Constitution beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter.
#Falcons coach Arthur Smith refused to call this a "rebuild." "Our charge is to win," Smith said. "It's not fair to the players." Appears fine with calling it a transition. (I'm calling it what it is, a rebuild.)
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) March 23, 2022
Ledbetter shared, “#Falcons coach Arthur Smith refused to call this a ‘rebuild.’ ‘Our charge is to win,’ Smith said. ‘It’s not fair to the players.’ Appears fine with calling it a transition. (I’m calling it what it is, a rebuild.)”
The word “transition” does have a better ring to it because it denotes that there are only a few pieces to change.
Compare that to “rebuild” wherein it’s a total overhaul.
However, Ledbetter is right for calling it the latter because Matt Ryan has been the team’s cornerstone for 14 seasons.
Without him, then they’ve basically acknowledged that they are better off having a fresh start.
What’s Happening With the Falcons’ Transition Phase?
After letting go of Ryan, the Falcons signed Marcus Mariota to a two-year deal.
Barring any other move, he will most likely be the team’s starter over Feleipe Franks.
Atlanta also signed cornerback Casey Hayward Jr. to pair him with A.J. Terrell.
They also brought linebacker Lorenzo Carter on a one-year deal.
Despite these transactions, the Falcons still need a lot if they are to make the 2022 season look more like a transition than a rebuild.
They need much help at wide receiver after Calvin Ridley got suspended.
Likewise, they must improve their pass rush because they lagged behind in sacks last season.
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