Blank stands by Smith, Dimitroff. What say you?

All together now: The Falcons are 2-3. The Falcons can't win on the road. The Falcons are weak on the defensive front and can't sustain a pass rush. The Falcons aren't using Antone Smith enough.

That about cover it for now?

So here's another voice on the subject -- the most important voice.

I spoke to Falcons owner Arthur Blank on the subject of his struggling team. He said some things that I expected. He maintained confidence in coach Mike Smith and his staff and general manager Thomas Dimitroff. But I found it noteworthy that he chose not to issue public mandates like, "This team must make the playoffs" or give assurances what he would do if the Falcons finished with a losing record and missed the postseason again.

"I would say to you, and I mean it sincerely: I have confidence in the coaching staff and the GM and the players," Blank told me. "I’m not speculating during the season about what might happen after the season. That’s not compatible with doing what I should be expected to do."

For the full column on my conversation with Blank on MyAJC.com, click here.

Here's my question for you: What's your confidence level in this team right now? Is it a playoff team or not? Also, whom do you blame most for the Falcons' start and seeming direction: Coaching or the front office?

I put up polls for both and, as always, the cyber floor is yours.

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