Former Atlanta Falcons continue to follow Arthur Smith to Pittsburgh

When Arthur Smith joined the Atlanta Falcons, a myriad of former players joined Smith during his three years with the team. Smith’s tendency to target former players hasn’t often worked in Atlanta’s favor, the most notable being quarterback Marcus Mariota.

After being fired in Atlanta, Arthur Smith landed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as their OC. This is an interesting position considering the plays the offense offers and the recent struggles they have faced. Smith tried to remedy that problem by calling on former Falcons he knows.

Van Jefferson and Cordarrelle Patterson remain the most notable pieces that followed Smith to Pittsburgh. This is especially surprising to Patterson who has expressed his frustration with Atlanta and the role he has been given. Following the head coach who gave you this role to his next landing spot is a bit confusing.

Another notable Falcon joined the group this week with Scotty Miller joining the roster. Miller was a solid addition in Atlanta, but was given a role he wasn’t capable of. Miller thrives as a depth receiver who is the forgotten man. We saw Miller thrive in this high-pressure role with Tom Brady.

Miller will now attempt to rebound with his former head coach and current OC. Miller will have a better quarterback situation than the one he was given in Atlanta with Russell Wilson or Justin Fields as starters. Neither player is a star option, but both are better starters than Desmond Ridder.

That doesn’t mean much, but it’s a better situation for Miller who will have more talent in front of him on offense. Pittsburgh will travel to Atlanta this season in a game the Falcons cannot afford to lose to their former OC.

It appears Smith won’t be the only former Falcon to make the trip back to Atlanta, with both teams turning the page and moving forward.