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Osi Umenyiora Takes First Shot At Mike Smith Regarding Fourth Down Decisions

The Falcons twice went for it on fourth and short and came away empty both times with Matt Ryan failing on a quarterback sneak. The decision figures to be one that will be second guessed throughout the offseason. During the regular season, Atlanta famously was turned back in overtime on fourth and short in their own territory by the New Orleans Saints. That makes Falcons coach Mike Smith 0-3 on fourth down decisions in high profile games this season.

Fourth down decisions are a slippery slope for a coach as if his team is successful he is often credited with being aggressive and showing confidence in his team. If things don't work out then they are subjected to comments like this one from Umenyiora. Perhaps Smith can compare notes with Georgia's Mark Richt who has also had is fair share of scrutiny regarding fourth down decisions.

Photographs by coka_koehler used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.