The clock is ticking on Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith.
A disappointing 9-7 loss to the league-worst Carolina Panthers last week dropped Atlanta to 6-8, a game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints in the woeful NFC South.
While winning out isn't a must, the Falcons' best shot at making the playoffs would be closing out the regular season with three straight wins, starting with a Sunday home game against the Indianapolis Colts.
In his third year on the job after a successful run as the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator, Smith understands the consequences of not winning games.