5 changes Mike Smith needs to make

Mike Smith is on his way in becoming the greatest coach in Atlanta Falcons history. He knows what it takes to win, and he is a great communicator with his players. It has been no secret that the Falcons still have not played a good complete game this year. The Falcons have just seemed to be out of sync and making things harder for them than they should be. They are about to enter a tough three game stretch before their bye week going up against Green Bay, Carolina and Detroit. Coach Smith probably wants to consider these changes to give his team a much needed lift.

Cornerback- I wouldn’t even consider benching Dunta Robinson or Brent Grimes, but I do think he should look at the nickel back position. Both Kelvin Hayden and Christopher Owens have played well so far, but I think Dominique Franks should get more playing time. I am really high on Franks from what I’ve seen of him at Oklahoma and from the games that he’s played in. Who knows how Franks might do; he might do good or bad, but I at least think that he deserves a chance to show the coaches what he has to offer.

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Offensive Line- The offensive line did play well against Seattle as Matt Ryan was not sacked. If I was Mike Smith I would still keep the offensive line alert on changes. Todd McClure went down with a knee injury, and there is no word yet on the severity of his injury, and this could again put the offensive line in a hole as McClure is the leader of the line. I would consider moving Sam Baker to guard or at least moving him to the other side. I believe that Baker is too inconsistent to have the assignment of protecting Matt Ryan’s blindside. Maybe by moving Baker he will be more comfortable, because he has shown that he is not able to handle the NFL’s elite pass rushers.

Wide Receiver- Of course Roddy White and Julio Jones are the starters; and Harry Douglas is the slot receiver. I’m talking about Kerry Meier, their draft choice last year from Kansas. He missed last season after tearing his ACL, but the coaches rave about how he has good hands, and he was a former quarterback as Kansas. I would like to see Mike Smith and Mike Mularkey get him involved in the offense more, because he can be a nice weapon for the Falcons as he can throw and catch.

Running Back- Michael Turner got 26 carries for Seattle, but only had 76 yards and 51 of those rushing yards came in the first half. The Falcons definitely need to get back to their identity as a running team. That doesn’t mean giving Turner 30 carries; I’m talking about pounding the ball with Jason Snelling as well, and then giving Jacquizz Rodgers touches whether it be via running or screen passes. Don’t put all the workload on Turner, give Snelling and Rodgers more opportunities to keep Turner fresh in the fourth quarter to allow him to be dominate.

Defensive Line- What can be said about the defensive line, Oh yeah how about pressuring the quarterback. They have John Abraham, they signed Ray Edwards and yet quarterbacks have been having all the time in the world against Atlanta. They have been using the method of subbing in defensive line to keep them fresh, but yet nobody is rushing the quarterback. I think Smith should try switching defensive lineman positions sometimes. Like putting them on different sides more, and getting the offensive lineman confused therefore possibly opening up a direct lane for them at the quarterback.

These are just some suggestions that I think would benefit Mike Smith, but he is a coach that knows what changes need to be done for his team to succeed the way they want to.

By: Steven Virden
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer