On Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons dropped to 4-6 on the 2023 NFL season with a crushing 25-23 loss at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals. The Falcons took a late lead with a touchdown from quarterback Desmond Ridder; however, the defense then relinquished a march down the field by the Cardinals, boosted by the return of quarterback Kyler Murray, and eventually lost after a game-winning field goal as time expired.

The loss did not quiet the growing sense of angst from the fanbase regarding head coach Arthur Smith, who once again had to face some tough questions after the game. Smith reflected on how the loss felt similar in some ways to last week's defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings.

“The last two weeks, it's been very similar, losing at the end,” said Smith, per the Falcons' official YouTube channel. “You put everything you've got into it, and you're frustrated, but we've got to find a way to get on the plane, get back, use this bye week, and regroup. Put everything into it, find solutions, and go win against New Orleans. That's the only thing we can do.”

Arthur Smith addressed at least some of the criticism on Sunday regarding his bizarre unwillingness in previous weeks to get the ball to his best playmakers. Bijan Robinson led the team in rushing, while Kyle Pitts and Drake London led Atlanta in receiving yards against the Cardinals. However, losing to a one-win Cardinals team, even with Murray back in the fold, is not a great look.