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ATLANTA — Arthur Smith acquired his Atlanta Falcons again to .500 by beating the NFL’s prime run protection, after which the second-year head coach did what any former offensive lineman would do.
He took his guys up entrance for beers.
Nicely, type of. The beers in query have been for his still-in-uniform offensive linemen and his offensive line coach, Dwayne Ledford. And the celebration occurred inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in one in every of its field-level sideline membership suites after Atlanta’s 28-14 win over the San Francisco 49ers, with followers in attendance all whipping out their telephones — since you simply do not see NFL groups do that.
However there has by no means been a query Smith enjoys teaching this specific staff. Smith has mentioned it again and again. The vibe inside the staff’s locker room has been real and actual, and a gesture like this could go a great distance.
Celly brews 🍻 pic.twitter.com/QRhTSc8ngr
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 16, 2022
The offensive linemen, Smith and Ledford could be seen toasting themselves within the video whereas holding — after which downing — Bud Lights. On the finish, captain Jake Matthews is seen trying on the digital camera saying, ‘Yeah, child.’
Smith, the staff’s playcaller in addition to its head coach, as soon as once more had a high-level run recreation. Atlanta rushed for at the least 168 yards for the fifth time in six video games. The Falcons have the NFL’s No. 3 dashing offense even with out starter Cordarrelle Patterson, who’s on injured reserve due to a knee damage.
The 700 yards earlier than first contact rank second within the NFL, a testomony to how properly the staff’s offensive line is enjoying. Smith, who performed offensive line at North Carolina earlier than entering into teaching, has talked typically about desirous to be bodily and have a bunch that may run the ball onerous and with effectivity.
The Falcons did precisely that in opposition to the NFL’s prime run protection. Getting into the sport, the 49ers averaged a mean of 71.4 yards dashing per recreation. Atlanta greater than doubled it.
So, positive, postgame beers made quite a lot of sense.
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