Atlanta Falcons face must-win showdown against Indianapolis Colts to keep playoff hopes alive

NEW DELHI: The clock is ticking for Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith after a disappointing 9-7 loss to the league-worst Carolina Panthers, dropping the team to 6-8 in the NFC South. To boost their playoff chances, the Falcons must win their remaining regular-season games, starting with a crucial home game against the Indianapolis Colts.Arthur Smith, in his third year as the Falcons' coach, acknowledged the pressure: "We all know what we signed up for. That's why I love this game. You want to be in pro football and you want to be judged."While Falcons owner Arthur Blank plans to make a decision on Smith's future after the season, the recent loss to the Panthers intensified scrutiny. Following quarterback Desmond Ridder's subpar performance, Smith is making a quarterback change, returning to Taylor Heinicke.Heinicke, who started earlier in the season, expressed readiness: "When my number's called, I go out there and I'm the starter. I think you go there and take it a play at a time. If your sole goal is to win and you win, that's going to take care of everything else."Indianapolis, despite losing rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, has positioned itself well with Gardner Minshew leading the way. Minshew's 6-4 record as the starter includes a recent convincing win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.The Colts are dealing with injuries, with Zack Moss and Jonathan Taylor uncertain for the upcoming game. Wide receiver Michael Pittman is also on the injury watch. Additionally, the Colts suspended Isaiah McKenzie and Tony Brown for conduct detrimental to the team.The all-time series heavily favors the Colts, who have won 15 out of 17 games against the Falcons. In their last meeting in 2019, the Colts secured a 27-24 home win.(With Reuters inputs)