In the midst of the Christmas season, don’t expect Terry Bradshaw of Fox to be exchanging holiday greetings with Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith anytime soon.
During the Christmas Eve episode of ‘Fox NFL Sunday,’ the regular crew discussed the upcoming games scheduled on the network, including a crucial matchup between the Falcons and the visiting Indianapolis Colts. The game held significance for the Colts in their quest to stay in the playoff race, while the Falcons are striving to remain competitive in the NFC South.
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The Falcons’ season has been marked by inconsistent quarterback performances, with Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke taking turns at QB. Ridder, a young quarterback, has faced challenges, and Bradshaw, a four-time Super Bowl Champion quarterback, doesn’t hold a favorable view of how Coach Smith has handled the situation.
Bradshaw shared a personal childhood story about getting in trouble for lying and emphasized that nothing upsets him more than being deceived. He recalled Smith’s declaration after Week 8 that Ridder was his quarterback for the rest of the year, expressing disappointment that Smith went back on his word. According to Bradshaw, someone upstairs informed Smith that his job was at risk if the team didn’t win out, leading to the decision to bench Ridder. Bradshaw expressed his lack of respect for Smith, criticizing him for messing with the young quarterback and setting him back. He concluded by stating that Smith needs to face consequences for his actions.
“I have no respect for Arthur Smith,” Bradshaw said on the Christmas Eve edition of Fox NFL Sunday.
“Messed with that young quarterback Desmond Ridder like that, and you set him back. Play the young man. Leave him alone. Don’t lie to him. And [Smith] lied to him. And he needs to get his butt whooped! Nothing upsets me more than when someone lies to me.”
While Bradshaw’s rant is colorful and focused, it also highlights his strong opinions on coaching integrity and player management. Despite occasional critiques of his delivery, Bradshaw demonstrates his ability to engage viewers with noteworthy commentary. The story preceding the rant may have been deemed oversharing, but it adds a personal touch to Bradshaw’s passionate critique of Smith. Now, the question remains whether Smith will respond to Bradshaw’s pointed remarks.
On Sunday, the Falcons secured a victory, defeating the Colts with a final score of 29-10.
With this win, Atlanta’s season record improves to 7-8.