Atlanta Falcons: Where are they really ranked?
The Atlanta Falcons are rising up the power rankings on every major platform and are ranked anywhere from six to 10. The highest ranking the Falcons got was from ESPN of all places, but is that really where they are ranked? Are they the sixth best team in the NFL or are they 10th like Bleacher Report suggests?
Let’s break this down from a fundamental stand point. Do the Falcons have a top 10 offense? Absolutely. Atlanta has the third most yards and are tied for 5th in the league in points per game with 29.7. At the end of the day, the only offensive stat that matters is how many points you score and the Falcons get the job done.
What has been working on offense thus far? Well, Matt Ryan is second in the NFL in passing yards and has thrown 34 of his passes to Julio Jones who is leading the NFL in receiving yards. As far as the running game goes, the Falcons are using a two running back set, but the birth of Devonta Freeman in week 3 just might have solidified himself as the Falcons’ starter for the rest of the year.
Sep 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) points after making a first down in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Atlanta won 39-28. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Freeman rushed for 141 yards and hauled in five receptions for 52 yards and scored three times. No running back in the history of the franchise had done that before.
As a unit, the offense is clicking on all cylinders and will be a force to be reckoned with for the rest of the year.
On to the defensive side of the ball. The Falcons have given up the 10th most yards and rank 16th in the league in points allowed. This alone shows that the defense is doing a good job of keeping teams out of the end zone. Sure, giving up the 10th most yards isn’t where you want to be, but who have they faced?
All three of the offenses that they have faced are pretty darn good.
Are the Falcons the No.6 team in the NFL? Maybe not, but are they in the top 10? Absolutely. FanSided has the Falcons ranked as the leagues’ eighth best team. That I think is right on the money. The team still has a lot to improve on and will only get better as the season progresses. Rise up.