The Falcons under Mike Smith and led by Matt Ryan have been absolutely harangued by national pundits for their postseason failures, some of it justified, and some of it just piling on. Atlanta is 0-3 in the NFC Playoffs in the Dimitroff/Smith/Ryan era - the first loss in Ryan's rookie season on the road in Arizona, the other two to eventual Super Bowl Champions.
Smith acknowledged the postseason issues in an interview with 790 The Zone in Atlanta, prompting the usual blather from national outlets. Yes - Atlanta was blown off the field by Green Bay in 2011, and failed score a point on offense against the Giants in 2012 - but the consensus among fans and media is that the real culprits for both losses (play calling and offensive line play) have been finally addressed.
That being said, Smith's seat is likely the hottest among the leaders of the post-Vick Falcons organization. The franchise and its fans are focused on two new coordinators revamping promising-but-mediocre schemes, but Smith's penchant for 4th-and-short gambles compounded with winless Januarys might mean that new offensive line coach Pat Hill is the real focal point for future Atlanta success.
And while he's still loved by most Atlantans not wearing #7 jerseys, we'll admit it's getting harder to use the name "Matty Ice"
For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic and SB Nation's NFL page.