2011 NFL Playoffs: Mike Smith Will Have the Atlanta Falcons Ready

In the three years Mike Smith has been the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, the team has only lost back-to-back games three times. Plus, these three instances were all in the 2009 season, in which they finished with nine wins. This fact professes Mike Smith's ability to focus only on the next game ahead. Both he and his players have stated multiple times their focus is only on the next game, not a bigger game that is two or three weeks away. This style of preparing and coaching has yielded positive results and an average of 11 wins a season for Coach Smith.

While he has yet to win a postseason game, Smith has a great opportunity Saturday when the Falcons face the Green Bay Packers. His goal is to get to the Super Bowl, but he is currently focusing on the task at hand. Even a snowstorm has not prevented the team from practicing hard and long at their facility in Flowery Branch. In fact, Mike Smith has stayed at an on-campus apartment instead of at his home closer to Atlanta. He has taken full advantage of the off-week, with getting in extra practice, but at the same time resting those who need it. 

The dedication to the sport and his team given by Smith has already achieved the Falcons a 13-3 season, the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, and home field advantage. His next step is a playoff win, and he is sure to have put in as much or even more effort into achieving this goal as he has done in the regular season. Mike Smith will keep his team's head down and out of the media, preventing distractions and media fiascoes, such as the one the Jets are having with the Patriots. Also, he will continue to keep his players mentally fresh so as to prevent mistakes like turnovers and penalties. In other words, Coach Smith will continue what he has already done for the past three years in Atlanta.