Falcons Fall in Latest NFL Power Rankings
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. The Atlanta Falcons were once flying high atop the NFC South, but following a loss to the rebuilding Carolina Panthers, the Falcons ranking both in the division and amongst other NFL teams has taken a nosedive.
“This was an absolute season-killer of a loss to, by far, the worst team in the league,” writes SI.
The article listed Atlanta as the No. 23 team in the league, dropping the team one spot further than the week prior. As for the NFC South division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team is viewed as a bottom half of the league dweller, slotting in at No. 16, making it all the more frustrating that the young and talented Falcons have squandered a chance at making the playoffs.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) and cornerback Troy Hill (13) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium.
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Although it’s understandable for the offense to have some struggles trying to pass the ball in the rain, it was disappointing to also see the run game fail to get going, with a mere 52 total rushing yards. However, ultimately, sloppy mistakes cost the Falcons against Carolina.
“An absolute dagger of a red zone pick could have sealed Ridder’s fate as a Falcon starter,” SI speculated.
Quarterback Desmond Ridder has routinely displayed turnover issues this season, en route to the team routinely having quarterback controversy as fans have complained about the performance of both Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. Neither of the two struggling quarterbacks is likely to be the starter next season, given how deep this draft class is considered to be at the position.
Ultimately, Heinicke will start this week for Atlanta as the team faces the Indianapolis Colts and attempts to close the regular season’s final weeks on a positive trajectory.
