NFC South Power Rankings: Week 2 standings
Sep 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws the ball under pressure from Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham (55) and Bennie Logan (96) in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
1. Atlanta Falcons
Last week: 2
Under the primetime lights, the Atlanta Falcons delivered against one of the NFC’s best teams. Particularly in the first half, the Falcons dominated on both sides of the football. Sam Bradford and the high-paced Eagles offense was shutdown to just three points through two quarters of play, with 2014 rushing champion DeMarco Murray limited to minus-four yards.
The second half was a different story though, as the Eagles’ offense clicked into gear and wore down Atlanta’s resistance. The sheer pace at which they play was becoming too much for Dan Quinn’s revamped unit, but nice work from Matt Bryant helped steer the Falcons back into the lead.
And then the defense found life again. Following an excellent punt from Matt Bosher inside two minutes, Bradford was picked off by Ricardo Allen to seal the game. The Falcons are far from perfect and have a number of issues on defense that need fixing, but it was a promising start for the Quinn era.