Throughout the 2022 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.
Below you will find a Week 1 roundup for the Atlanta Falcons in our consensus 2022 NFL Power Rankings.
ESPN -- Rank: 32
Who's on the hot seat: DL Marlon Davidson
Not many Falcons players or coaches are on the hot seat at this point. But Davidson, the third-year defensive lineman out of Auburn, has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career and missed the preseason opener thanks to injury. While it's unlikely at this point he would be cut, what role he would have for Atlanta now and in the future is very much in question if he can't remain on the field.
Not many Falcons players or coaches are on the hot seat at this point. But Davidson, the third-year defensive lineman out of Auburn, has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career and missed the preseason opener thanks to injury. While it's unlikely at this point he would be cut, what role he would have for Atlanta now and in the future is very much in question if he can't remain on the field.
NFL.com -- Rank: 31
Is Marcus Mariota ready to surprise some people? Mariota's been humbled. Who wouldn't be? He went from No. 2 overall pick to a backup who hasn't made a start in close to three years. But here we are in 2022, and Mariota has a second chance at career relevance as the QB1 for a rebuilding Falcons squad beginning the post-Matt Ryan era. Atlanta has plenty of holes on its roster, but Mariota has two gifted young playmakers in second-year tight end Kyle Pitts and first-round pick Drake London, plus the mobility to escape the jams a leaky offensive line is sure to put him in. He's unlikely to hoist a Lombardi Trophy this year, but Mariota -- still just 28 -- can put himself in Atlanta's long-term plans with a productive season.
CBS Sports -- Rank: 32
They lack talent in so many areas. This is a complete rebuild, which will make for a long, long season.
The Athletic -- Rank: 32
The good news: Kyle Pitts is cool as hell.
The bad news: Bryce Young can't just suit up now. But maybe that's unfair to Desmond Ridder.
Nugget to remember: The Falcons lined up in 11 personnel only 31.3 percent of the time last season, the second-lowest rate in the league, per TruMedia. That tracked with Arthur Smith's identity in Tennessee. With first-round pick Drake London and an array of castoffs at wide receiver, expect more of the same with Pitts still the top option.
The bad news: Bryce Young can't just suit up now. But maybe that's unfair to Desmond Ridder.
Nugget to remember: The Falcons lined up in 11 personnel only 31.3 percent of the time last season, the second-lowest rate in the league, per TruMedia. That tracked with Arthur Smith's identity in Tennessee. With first-round pick Drake London and an array of castoffs at wide receiver, expect more of the same with Pitts still the top option.
The Ringer -- Rank: 31
The Falcons will be bad, but they have the potential to be a fun football team in 2022. Defensively, A.J. Terrell should be in top-five conversations at the cornerback position, and both Marcus Mariota, the expected starter at quarterback, and rookie Desmond Ridder both looked comfortable in Arthur Smith's offense in the preseason. Factor in two dynamic receiving threats in Kyle Pitts and Drake London and that's enough to get me to tune in, even though the Falcons have significant questions on the offensive and defensive lines.
Yahoo! -- Rank: 32
The Falcons looked fine in the preseason but that doesn't mean much. If Arthur Smith can get this roster to six, seven wins or more, it'll say a lot about his coaching ability.
PFT -- Rank: 26
Matt Ryan was the cornerstone of the franchise since 2008. How will they not take a step back without him?
Previous updates:
- Atlanta Falcons 2022 Power Rankings Roundup: Post-Draft
- Atlanta Falcons 2022 Power Rankings Roundup: Post-Super Bowl 56
More Atlanta Falcons pages:
- Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft Roundup
- Atlanta Falcons Snap Counts
- Atlanta Falcons Franchise Leaders
- Atlanta Falcons Draft History
- Atlanta Falcons Schedule
- Atlanta Falcons Tickets
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