Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith's job security in question after loss to the NFL's worst team

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith speaks during a news conference after his team's loss to the Carolina Panthers in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Arthur Smith’s job security is in question after the Atlanta Falcons squandered a lead Sunday and lost to the NFL’s worst team.

The Falcons suffered an untimely, if not embarrassing, 9-7 defeat to the Carolina Panthers (2-12) on a last-second field goal by Eddy Pineiro, knocking them out of a three-way tie for first place with New Orleans and Tampa Bay in the NFC South.

Eight days ago, the Falcons sat alone atop the division.