Things are rarely easy for first-time head coaches in the NFL, and things were no different for Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith during the first few weeks of his tenure.

However, despite the early growing pains brought on by a combination of factors, including reduced preseason play, league-minimum roster construction and installing a new system entirely, the Falcons’ offense has taken two steps in the right direction over the past two weeks.

This growth has helped the team win two of three games (nearly all three) after an 0-2 start to the season. Smith stated that the team’s natural evolution has begun to pay off.

“We’ve evolved,” said Smith. “We’re a lot different than we were in Tennessee. Week over week, as we get a feel for this team and they get a feel for us, I think there’s been a natural evolution and it’s starting to pay off.”

There are a lot of intricacies involved in understanding an NFL offense. The good ones spread the ball around and rely on more than just one or two players offensively.

“I think all of our guys know they get the ball at any time,” Smith explained. “I said we’re not an isolation basketball team, so it’s not like you can just go down there and say hey, let’s double the stars. I think naturally, there’s a natural progression that happens for guys, usually your better players emerge and they’ll end up getting more touchdowns but we really feel like all our guys know they’re viable options.”

The Falcons expect to have wide receiver Russell Gage back for their Week 7 game against Miami and hope to have Ridley (personal) back as well. Watch the full interview with Smith, via the Falcons’ YouTube channel below.