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Sports

Falcons coach Mike Smith accepts criticism for team's failures, not worried about job security

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith argues with an official in the second half of the NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014. The Lions won 22-21. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (The Associated Press)

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    Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith, left, stands on the touchline during the NFL football game against Detroit Lions at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland) (The Associated Press)

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Coach Mike Smith isn't shying away from criticism as the Atlanta Falcons fall apart for the second straight year.

He says the team's failures fall on him as the head coach.

In Smith's first five years with the Falcons, they were 56-24, won two division titles and advanced to the playoffs four times.

Atlanta is 6-18 since, but Smith says he's not concerned about job security with eight games remaining.

Losing at the buzzer to Detroit in London extended the Falcons' skid to five games. Atlanta (2-6) led by three touchdowns at halftime.

In the closing minutes, the offense failed to keep the clock running when center James Stone was called for holding and Julio Jones dropped a third-down pass.

The Lions drove 63 yards for the winning field goal.

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