Falcons power rankings roundup: What NFL experts said entering Week 2
matt urben
·1 min read
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Darnell Mooney #1 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a first down during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The opening week of the 2024 NFL season has created some interesting storylines around the league. For the Atlanta Falcons, the story of Week 1 was another disappointing performance. Despite having a new quarterback and an upgraded defense, the Falcons experienced the same problems that plagued them the last two seasons.
The offense produced just 10 points and turned the ball over three times. Atlanta's defense was solid but Sunday's loss to the Steelers put the team in a tough spot entering Week 2. With back-to-back prime-time matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, the season could be slipping away before it really gets started.
NFL analysts around the country were not impressed by what they saw from the Falcons in Week 1. Check out what ESPN, NFL.com, CBS Sports, and others had to say in our latest power rankings roundup:
ESPN: No. 25
Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) and linebacker Matthew Judon (15) in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 08: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hits Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons while Cousins' attempts a pass during the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. (9) and Kirk Cousins (18) on the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) catches a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris dismissed a question about tight end Kyle Pitts getting no catches in Week 4, saying winning the game was most important.
Morris addressed the decision not to call for a quarterback sneak on third and fourth down with one yard to gain on their potential game-winning drive.
Mahomes had little trouble finding the open man, but he had a very un-Mahomes-ian vibe to his game. He knows “vibes” don’t show up in box scores or advanced metrics. But he knows something is off.
Philly will need plenty more firepower on Sunday when they visit New Orleans. Jalen Hurts and Barkley will need to carry the load heavily then as they did Monday night.
Yahoo Sports conversations with 26 sources, including five GMs and six head coaches, paint a picture of a question that lacks a definitive answer but certainly has vital criteria.
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