Ugly loss to Panthers should be final straw for Falcons' Arthur Smith, Desmond Ridder

The Falcons need a change.

Atlanta (6-8) suffered an embarrassing 9-7 loss to the previously one-win Panthers on Sunday, likely nailing the door shut on its playoff hopes. 

Per the New York Times playoff predictor, the Falcons' chances of reaching the postseason dipped to 11% with the loss.

With the playoffs a long shot, it's time for the organization to plan for the future, one that shouldn't include either head coach Arthur Smith or quarterback Desmond Ridder.

The former Titans offensive coordinator has failed this season to produce a competent offense despite the Falcons spending their past three first-round picks (each in the top 10) on tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson.

That's as much an indictment of Smith as it is of Ridder, who continues to prove he's out of his element as an NFL starter. 

For Smith, it's unfathomable that he doesn't run plays specifically designed for the team's highly-drafted players. In Sunday's loss, London, Pitts and Robinson combined for 13 touches, while backups Tyler Allgeier, Jonnu Smith and Cordarrelle Patterson had 23 touches. Make it make sense.

ESPN's Mike Clay shared that Robinson, the No. 8 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, played his lowest snap count when healthy this season, which is ridiculous for a team with playoff aspirations before Week 15.