Mike Smith, other rookie coaches making impact

Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

Mike Smith, Atlanta Falcons Record: 7-4 This week: at San Diego (4-7) The skinny: Smith and his staff are re-writing the book on how to get a rookie quarterback prepared to play in the NFL. Playoff chances: Winning the NFC South is the clearest path. Both wild-card spots could be taken by NFC East teams. Coaching tree: Jack Del Rio, Brian Billick and Marvin Lewis.