First Down
This week’s look at the various NFL power rankings shows that the Falcons appear to keep climbing after Sunday’s 21-14 win over Chicago. First up, ESPN.com, where the Falcons moved up one spot to No. 7. The comment: “Matt Ryan seems to be hitting his stride for the Falcons, a good thing while the run game finds its way.”
That’s somewhat curious as Ryan posted his worst quarterback rating of the season with a 68.4 on Sunday, owing to two interceptions. Perhaps the memory of Ryan’s strong performance in the previous week’s 45-10 win over San Francisco was still fresh.
Second Down
The Falcons also moved up to No. 7 in FoxSports.com’s rankings. The difference, however, is that Fox moved the Falcons up three spots. Comment: “Atlanta’s played a relatively tough early slate, and seem to have recovered nicely from their learning experience loss in New England in Week 3 — beating the Niners and Bears in successive weeks.”
Third Down
Let’s take a departure from national media for a look at what a regional newspaper is saying. Maybe it’s a little NFC South bias, but the New Orleans Times-Picayune is showing the Falcons some love, ranking them at No. 5. (Although it’s hard to argue with ranking them ahead of the New York Giants after what the Saints did to the G-men on Sunday.)
In fact, the Times-Picayune rates the Falcons as the best team in the NFL outside of the four unbeatens. The comment: “The Falcons are keeping the Saints within reaching distance.” No. 1 in the Times-Picayune poll? The Saints.
And Out…
And this week’s opponent? There also seems to be a consensus there. Fox ranks the Cowboys No. 16, as does the Times-Picayune. ESPN.com is a little less generous to the Cowboys, putting them at No. 19.
Of course, none of that guarantees anything when it comes time for Sunday.
11 Comments
Just win!!!!!!!!!!
I can’t stand the cowpies!!! LET’S GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!
Curious if you can answer this for me:
What would Ryan’s passer rating have been if he were given credit for a completion to Jenkins on that int? It would increase his comp% and yards, and reduce his ints. I know there’s no what-if in the games, but if we’re going to judge his performance on Sunday then I think it is significant that he threw 2 balls to Jenkins that were on the money, but which he was credited with an INT and and incomplete.
Thanks for holding your own against Chicago. I served in Viet-Nam and was always amazed at how a team with members who are truly committed and determined can over-come the most trying challenges.
I may be wrong,but I don’t think so when I say I see that comaradie and determination in you guys.
May you succeed in your goals and thanks for letting gp along for the ride as a fan.
@maxatlanta, I agree 100% with you max! I think Ryan and some of the Falcons(Jenkins, Turner, etc) were really hyped and put undo pressure on themselves to perform well in the Sunday night game. If Ryan completes his early passes the entire run game would have changed because they would have had to play honest. The Bears are a good run defense but they were stacking the box with 8 and 9 on some downs. If Jenkins makes both cathces we were looking at a 49ers kind of blowout. Ryan could have been more accurate but his adjustments and what he recognizes on defense is amazing and I see why Dungey is comapring him to Manning. Our offense is just as explosive as the Saints if we get everyone on the saem page. The sleeper is JA98 playing DT….I have given this man some much crap over the past two seasons but he is playing inspired football and we might have another emerging star like Roddy. We go into Dallas and pull that game out.
i wish the falcons would have done more than they did before the trade deadine, and bring someone in to help out on defense seeing that williams is out for the season.
Does anyone know the status of Jerious Norwood? Will his injury prevent him from playing?
Both the Bears and the 49ers are ranked above the Cowboys. But Romo looks to me like he can put far more pressure on our secondary. Hope I’m off.
Norwood is listed day to day.The secondary will be fine,even with the loss of Williams.This Falcons team is the real deal.The defencd is young and fast,its just a matter of putting the right players in the right packages.Tony Romo is a gun slinger who WILL throw the ball to the other team.W just have to play the ball instead of getting pass interferrence calls.The DIRTY BIRDS are a force to be recond with for years to come.
Norwood is listed day to day.The secondary will be fine,even with the loss of Williams.This Falcons team is the real deal.The defencd is young and fast,its just a matter of putting the right players in the right packages.Tony Romo is a gun slinger who WILL throw the ball to the other team.W just have to play the ball instead of getting pass interferrence calls.The DIRTY BIRDS are a force to be recond with for years to come.
@johnny D.
Tell um Matty 2 … They sound like a bunch a GIRLY GIRLS … Make me wanna throw up …Dadblast um