Falcons HC Arthur Smith made one huge change after loss to Vikings

Smith's mustache was a new look for the 2023 season, as he debuted the facial hair during his first training camp news conference in late July. Smith said at the time that it was a "lifestyle change" and "it's not for everybody."

With Atlanta having lost back-to-back games and sitting at 4-5, the 41-year-old has found himself on the hot seat in recent weeks. Despite being under .500, the Falcons are only one game behind the New Orleans Saints for first place in the NFC South.

For the second straight year, the division is one of, if not the worst in football.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers captured the division with an 8-9 record in 2022, while the Falcons, Saints and Carolina Panthers all finished tied for second with a 7-10 mark. This year, the NFC South is the only group whose leader has four losses and the only other division that has its top squad with just five wins is the NFC West (both the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks are 5-3).

Atlanta looks like it could be battling New Orleans (5-4) and Tampa Bay (3-5) for the crown all season long, as Carolina is off to a 1-7 start.

Smith's club should have a decent chance to snap their skid in Week 10 when it travels to face the NFL bottom-feeding Arizona Cardinals (1-8) on Sunday. The Falcons will then have their bye in Week 11.