Atlanta Falcons: Smith could join Reeves with a victory
Falcons coach Mike Smith during the victory over Denver.
FLOWERY BRANCH — If the Falcons defeat the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, they’ll probably have to beg coach Mike Smith to take the game ball.
“He deserves something,” safety William Moore said. “I’m sure we’ll come up with something.”
The Falcons’ humble leader likes to deflect any attention away from the head coaching office. But with another win, he’ll tie Dan Reeves for the most victories in franchise history, with 49.
The 5-0 Falcons are prohibitive favorites to defeat the Oakland Raiders (1-3) at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
If they win, awarding Smith a game ball, in a traditional postgame ceremony, might not go over too well. Smith probably would try to give it back to the players, his assistant coaches, general manager Thomas Dimitroff or owner Arthur Blank.
“Knowing Smitty, he probably wouldn’t be too happy if we did that,” center Todd McClure said. “He’s going to try to downplay it as much as possible. But I think it shows what this organization has done over the last four or five years. From all the way at the top, they are trying to get a winning culture around here. They brought in the right guy for that.”
McClure is the only player on the roster who’s played for Reeves, who posted a 49-59-1 record and took the franchise to its only Super Bowl appearance, and Smith.
“Those two guys, to me, are really similar,” McClure said. “Coach Reeves was even-keeled. You got the same guy every week. You knew what you were going to get. It’s ironic that both of those guys have had the most success in this franchise with that approach.”
Since being named the Falcons’ head coach in 2008, Smith has climbed the franchise’s coaching chart quickly.
He opened with an 11-5 record in 2008 and followed that with 9-7, 13-3 and 10-6 records before this season. The Falcons won the NFC South title after the 2010 season and have been to the playoffs in three of the past four seasons.
Last season marked the Falcons’ first consecutive playoff appearances since they started playing in the NFL in 1966.
If Smith ties the victory mark, don’t expect a wild party. Maybe a few fireworks from the event-day staff and a note on the scoreboard.
“I’m concerned about Oakland this week,” Smith said when asked about any celebration plans. “Then, we’ll move on to the bye week and do our preparation for self-scouting and find out where we are at. We are going to have big challenge this week.”
It’s that doggedly methodical approach to football that has allowed Smith to turn the Falcons into winners.
Mike Nolan, Mike Smith and Dirk Koetter (Curtis Compton/CCompton@ajc.com)
“He stays grounded, and he has to keep us grounded,” Moore said. “We need to stay focused and worry about the next week.”
For Smith, football is simple.
He has the team rally around a few basic concepts that embody a team approach to winning.
Smith has helped change the fortunes of the Falcons by getting the players, some who are still with the team and others who have moved on, to buy into his five pillars of success.
In every team meeting after a game, on either Monday or Wednesday, he let’s them know how they did with penalties, turnover ratio, time of possession, opponents’ field-position start and the Falcons’ field-position start.
“You want to be the least-penalized team in the league or close to the top,” Smith said.
All of those stats involve the offense, defense and special-teams units performing at a high level.
“If you’re at the top of the league in those five things, you’re usually going to like where you’re at, believe it or not,” Smith said. “The offensive guys look at yards. The defensive guys look at yards given up. But if you look at those five things, it’s really important in terms of the success of a team.”
The Falcons currently lead the NFL in fewest penalties (16 for 127 yards) and are tied for first in turnover differential (plus 10). They are fourth in time-of-possession average (32:47).
Smith had never been a head coach at any level before being selected to lead the Falcons. After 16 years coaching in the college ranks, he cut his teeth in the NFL working with the Baltimore Ravens and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Smith, who switched offensive and defensive coordinators this offseason, believes in delegating and holding everyone accountable.
Falcons head coach Mike Smith (left) and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan (right) will want to see better third down defense against the Dolphins after Cincinnati converted on 8 of 14 (54 percent) on Thursday. Here they are keeping a close eye on the cornerbacks during drills in Flowery Branch on Saturday, July 28, 2012. CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM
“I don’t believe in micromanaging,” Smith said. “I believe you’ve got to have a macro view. When you are a position coach or a coordinator you’ve got to have a micro view. You’ve got to concern yourself with only one thing and not really worry about anything else. I’ve been very fortunate to have a great staff, guys around me that have been doing a great job of preparing their groups.”
After being hired as the head coach, Smith vowed that he never call a play on offense, defense or special teams on game day. He prefers to put his hands on things during meetings and practices during the week.
“I’ve been pretty good at it,” Smith said. “I can’t say that I’ve not done it, but not very often. I’m not smart enough to call a defensive game and be the head coach.”
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94 comments Add your comment
High Falootin'
October 14th, 2012
1:40 am
I love Smitty, great hire, he’s been by FAR the best thing to ever happen to this franchise (aside from maybe AB buying the team)…but it’s the scientific, statistical approach that I think makes this team fold come playoff time. It’s similar to the Braves during their run. It’s too business-like. When January (or October in the Braves case) rolls around you have to throw that crap out the window and git down to business – passionately. And these teams are coached to remove the passion and play for the numbers. In January, who gives a **** about time of possession…bust the guy in front of you in the mouth, drive him down, kill his spirit – that’s what playoffs are about and how championships are won. This is what ATL teams (including Richt’s teams) lack. It’s like we’ve perfected the way to get to the playoffs but no idea what it takes to win once we get there.
High Falootin'
October 14th, 2012
1:44 am
being methodical may win games but it don’t win championships.
Falcons Chic
October 14th, 2012
1:48 am
The haters on here are just inspirational … not.
redcoat
October 14th, 2012
6:17 am
Seen…….Wow……very poor and low comment……are you that desperate? I’m sure those folks that have died, probably Saint and Falcon fan among them, defending your right to make comments like yours, would tell you sir you are way out of line, this is just football. I have not and will not let your comment(s) represent to myself all Saint fans sentiments. Seen…… that was just truly pathetic. I’m sure you’re “buds” on the ESPN NFCS blog will be interested know what you commented, especially those veterans..
Esquire
October 14th, 2012
7:56 am
GAME DAY!!!
5-6-7-8
Everywhere we goooO,
Everywhere we goooO,
People wanna knooOw,
People wanna knooOw,
Who we aaa are,
Who we aaa are,
So we tell theem, So we tell theem,
We are the FALCONS!! We are the FALCONS!!
MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS, MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS !!
OHH AHH OHH YEEAHH
Esquire
October 14th, 2012
7:59 am
Mike Franklin
October 13th, 2012
1:53 pm
Dan Reeves was the only coach to take this team to the SB.
I think Smitty is on the right road to tie that one as well.
****************************************************************************
Fortunately Eugene Robinson won’t be going with us.
Esquire
October 14th, 2012
8:07 am
Falcons Rule.
October 13th, 2012
8:18 pm
Esquire…you sound like you have a large prolapsed hemorrhoid.
*************************************************
My God man, how did you know….?? At least I’m not a sphincter muscle surrounded by a dark void.
Esquire
October 14th, 2012
8:11 am
High Falootin’
October 14th, 2012
1:40 am
but it’s the scientific, statistical approach that I think makes this team fold come playoff time.
*************************************************************
Scientific and statistical…….nope. Last year it was zero offensive line.
TBALL
October 14th, 2012
8:28 am
Today would be a good day to get closer to that perfect game. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!
RISE UP!!!!!!!
marko
October 14th, 2012
8:54 am
You don’t hand out awards for ties. If he takes the record, in Philly,that’d be sweet. I’d suggest Arthur pony up something more substantial than a game ball. I’ve always been very generous with Arthur’s money.
Fan since 66
October 14th, 2012
9:19 am
Logged on this morning to review the coverage of my Falcons…glad to see CMS is getting the props he deserves. I also, knew very little about him at first, but after what he’s done with our previously mediocre team, I am sure that the best is yet to come for The Birds. As for the inane, immature, unbelievable comment by STB4, I never thought I would see something like that out of any true-blooded American sports fan, regardless of team affiliation. When it comes right down to it, we are fans of a SPORT, for pete’s sake! In the grand scheme of things all sports are meant to be a diversion, if you will, from our everyday lives. To make such a hateful, ignorant remark just confirms what I have thought about the posts this piece of cr#p usually makes. I used to get upset and sometimes downright mad at his posts about our Birds. Now I just feel sorry for the guy. One day, hopefully, he will realize what a mistake that was and apologize to everyone on this blog…but don’t hold your breath.
STB4, you should be ashamed!
Brian
October 14th, 2012
9:25 am
I am just glad Blank isn’t sticking his big nose into the Falcon’s day-to-day business anymore. Smith is doing a good job, but it is only a matter of time before Blank throws him under the bus too.
GregKennesaw
October 14th, 2012
9:50 am
@B4 1-4
GregKennesaw
October 14th, 2012
10:02 am
@B4 – diminutive ? Dude I’m impressed, where did you learn such a big word? From your girlfriend perhaps?
Respect for these Dirty Birds!
October 14th, 2012
10:45 am
I get up this morning. Read the paper and turn on ESPN. It never ceases to amaze me the coverage that is spent on teams like the New York Jets or the Dallas Cowboys. Look everybody, there’s Tim Tebow arriving at the stadium getting ready to play maybe 5 plays in a football game for a losing team. NEWSFLASH: THE FALCONS ARE 5-0 AND UNDEFEATED!!!!! Guess what ESPN? These Dirty Birds are perfect. Meaning, they don’t know what a loss looks like this season. But let’smake sure we cover Tim Tebow, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning adnauseum! Makes me want to puke the lack of respect we get. Adam Schefter said that RG3 was on his way to beating us until he got hurt and had to leave the game. OMG!!!! Who do you think knocked him out of the game Adam?! Yeah, that’s right – it was Spoon and our defense. And don’t give me the fact we have been losing early in the playoffs. We are in a culture that lives in the NOW. And right NOW, there no body else is better than our guys. I’m just sayin’!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO DIRTY BIRDS.
UPGRAYEDD
October 14th, 2012
10:46 am
One thing that you can say for CMS, he is a class act and always has his team’s back. It takes a few years to turn around a club’s culture. The Falcons were a pathetic organization, but all that has changed. At least the fans know that every Sunday, we have a fighting chance to compete and to win.
Class is something that can’t be bought. Nor does winning a Super Bowl bring that to your organization. When it’s our turn to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, though, the victory will be all the sweeter.
ed
October 14th, 2012
10:49 am
if i were betting this game i would def take the raiders with the points!!http://nfllatestnews.com/week-6-underdog-picks-for-sports-gambling-fans/
Michael M.
October 14th, 2012
10:55 am
The Raiders are lucky that there is only four 15 – minute quarters in a football game……………..otherwise , the Falcons might get wore out from scoring so many touchdowns on them……………….keep cheering for the Falcon’s opponents STB4………you just bring the name Moron to a new level !
Atlanta – 45 Oakland – 17
atlantafalcon fan
October 14th, 2012
11:34 am
SEEN THIS BEFORE..GET YOUR A&& OFF OUR BOARD ….YOU WANNA GO MAKE COMMENTS GO TO NOLA.COM IF YOUR SMALL MARKET,SMALL CITY NEWSPAPER STILL EXIST….MEANWHILE THIS IS FALCON TERRITORY…6-0 BABY……HONEY WHATS THAT STINCH COMING FROM DOWN IN THE CELLAR WHY ITS THE STINKIN AINTS STINKIN UP THE NFC SOUTH CELLAR..1-4…NOW ITS NOT ONLY YOUR CITY THAT SMELLS ITS YOUR TEAM IN NEW ORLEANS THAT ALSO STINKS
Mike in TX
October 14th, 2012
12:35 pm
STB4
While you have the right to say what you want, and I’ll defend that right to the death as an American soldier, I personally think that what you said was tasteless, classless, and completely ignorant. I hope that when you grow up, you’ll realize this.
TrueFalcon
October 14th, 2012
12:43 pm
48-21 and on the road to a 5th consecutive winning season since he has been at the helm (I.e. consistency and humble leadership). Coach Smith is arguably the best coach in Falcon’s history. I am sure more playoff games and a SB will soon be in Atlanta’s future before Coach Smith hangs up his coaching whistle for the Falcons.
Lerrad
October 14th, 2012
12:57 pm
GO FALCONS !!!! UNDEFEATED !!!
GritzBlitz
October 14th, 2012
1:05 pm
Why the empty seats?
? mark
October 14th, 2012
1:59 pm
where is the team?
Louie
October 14th, 2012
2:01 pm
bl/ b
booger
October 14th, 2012
2:02 pm
beware, I’m back……..
? mark
October 14th, 2012
2:08 pm
some sloppy D.
? mark
October 14th, 2012
2:14 pm
welcome back real Atlanta Falcons
Donna
October 14th, 2012
2:27 pm
Funny how when records are broken by someone with another team other than the Falcons, ugly words are spouted yet when it’s the Falcons, it’s Go Go Go! Congrats in advance Coach and be glad in advance that fans of other teams are happy for you instead of making stupidly bitter comments…lol
Falcons65
October 14th, 2012
2:46 pm
C’mon, Falcons. WAKE UP!!!
herewegoagain
October 14th, 2012
3:07 pm
How can we look so shi^^y against crappy teams–how does this keep happening?
Tommy DimiHariGel
October 14th, 2012
3:11 pm
Our OL sux.
Couldn’t gain an inch vs. Giants in playoffs!!!!!
So we don’t try to improve it, and this year we can’t convert ANY short yardage!!!!
Same ole, same ole
Fred ™
October 14th, 2012
3:12 pm
Well that’s all well and good but if he can’t get past the first round of the playoffs this year, “Smitty” needs to go, along with Ryan. We already have a coach at UGA that will never be good enough to coach a Championship team, we don’t need one for the Falcon’s. Nobody gives a crap about who finished 8th in the league………..
FALKON FAN 1
October 14th, 2012
3:12 pm
I am still trying to figure out why we cant punch it in on 1 and goal from the 2 yard line. Its a clear indication that against the big boy teams like the Giants and Niners, we cant beat those teams! The Raiders knew what was coming we should have had Ryan keep on a bootlet to the right he would have walkeed in easily!
FALKON FAN 1
October 14th, 2012
3:38 pm
This game is just like the Carolina game! The Falcons look awful! Why didnt Harry Douglass power his way to that first down instead of that finess bull crap. If they win this game they will be very lucky. This game does pin point the Falcons weaknesses. The tackling is terrible!
Bob669
October 14th, 2012
3:42 pm
Defense baby!!!
Bob669
October 14th, 2012
3:51 pm
All good teams need to be able to win ugly. Falcons can do that and they can blow you out.
As I have lived in Houston for 10 years now, I have grown to pull for the Texans as well. Man that would be a dream come true to go to New Orleans and be apart of that!
Yes the Falcons have their weaknesses, but who doesn’t? The Texans are not perfect either. Teams are moving the ball on them until J.J. checks in. Enjoy what we have now
MTSeats
October 14th, 2012
4:08 pm
third ugly win in a row. what happens when they play a +500 team
SIX and O Falcons
October 14th, 2012
4:10 pm
Matt Bryant gets another grade of A+
Like It Is
October 14th, 2012
4:17 pm
An ugly, ugly win with pathetic tackling by the Falcons, but a win is a win and we’ll take it.
Brandonlee49
October 14th, 2012
4:46 pm
23-29 … Not exactly 45 -17, Won by a 55 yard field goal against a 1-3 Team,, Falcons are Still a Long way off from competing and Beating Title Chasers like the Giants, 49ers, GB and the Bears.. we’ll see what happens come Playy-off time That’s the Only Time that Counts. Are the Falcons any better than the Perennial Bow-out Braves ? Sofar the Falcons have Beaten Losers; Panthers, Raiders, etc/// let’s see when it Counts what happens.
ses
October 14th, 2012
4:51 pm
Eagles and Dog Killer lose again!!!!
FalconsFanSince66
October 14th, 2012
4:53 pm
We were given a wake up call without a loss. No time to panic, but a good time to learn from this and work on some things. We are 6-0, but their are no gimmes in the schedule. We could lose any game at any point if we don’t bring our A game. We are not going 10-0 or 0-10 in the games remaining. Get ready for the doubters and naysayers when we do lose. No matter what, Smith & Ryan should not be going anywhere.
Oh and SeenThisB4 I have passed your support of terrorist to the appropriate authorities.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
October 14th, 2012
6:09 pm
Congratulations to Coach Smith on tying the win record and he did it in a shorter period than Dan Reeves.
GO FALCONS!!!! 6 and 0……the naysayers and haters will complain no matter what this team’s record is going to be.
NEWSFLASH: A win is a win whether it’s luck and/or skill…..the team won again today!!!!!