Where Do Atlanta Falcons Land in Latest NFL Power Rankings?
Things are not great for the Atlanta Falcons through 10 weeks of NFL play as another quarterback controversy has helped stir rumblings about head coach Arthur Smith's job security.
Still, the Falcons are not eliminated from playoff contention, but three straight losses in Atlanta have damaged the team's standing in the league's pecking order. Sports Illustrated recently released its updated power rankings for the NFL, and the Falcons come in at No. 23 out of 32 teams in the league.
You can read an excerpt from the piece below, one that conjectures if Smith deserves another year at the helm if the team can secure a better quarterback option.
"The market will offer the likes of Ryan Tannehill and, possibly, Kirk Cousins. Baker Mayfield. Tyrod Taylor," Sports Illustrated writes. "A trade for Daniel Jones. All of these players would be better than their current options. The challenge will be for Smith to put enough on tape from here on out to legitimize that faith."
Atlanta Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Those "current options" are the young Desmond Ridder and veteran Taylor Heinicke, neither of which have been super successful under center. Both quarterbacks have suffered through injuries in the 2023 season, but Heinicke gained the starting nod after Ridder entered concussion protocol against the Tennessee Titans.
Now, however, Ridder has seemed to re-insert himself into the starting quarterback conversation after Heinicke has not led the Falcons to a win since he took over.
As mentioned above, the offensive struggles have not helped Arthur Smith's job security. Smith is certainly feeling the heat, but he doesn't feel that the season is necessarily unraveling for his 4-6 team, as indicated by comments made earlier in the week.
“No, not at all," Smith said. "I feel frustrated, but I would not use that word. Everybody’s got their own opinions, but (if) you’re out there every day and know those guys that we’ve got in here, I’m betting on them.”
The Falcons will definitely need to get back on track this weekend when they play host to a division rival in the New Orleans Saints. Kickoff on Sunday is set for 1 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised on FOX.
