Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Atlanta Falcons Week 5 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 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 5 roundup for the Atlanta Falcons in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 22

Biggest issue on defense: Sacking the quarterback

The Falcons, with five sacks, are not bringing quarterbacks down -- a familiar lament from the past few seasons. It's a problem, but a smaller one for an otherwise efficient unit. Even the sack numbers aren't as big of a deal as in prior years since the Falcons are pressuring quarterbacks on 30.2% of dropbacks and have a pass rush win rate of 45.2% -- almost 10% better than last season. -- Michael Rothstein

NFL.com -- Rank: 21

The goodwill stockpiled after a 2-0 start has diminished as the offense has gone cold. Desmond Ridder's ball security and accuracy are concerns. Drake London doesn't get the ball until the Falcons are trailing. Kyle Pitts hardly ever gets the ball. The league's fourth-most expensive offensive line, per Over the Cap, has been whipped repeatedly by good pass rushes. Bijan Robinson is the one consistent producer, and it often requires him to do something special to make chunk plays. The whole offensive operation needs a post-London scrubbing, from top to bottom. Right now, Atlanta is asking too much from a respectable defense to make up for the offensive shortcomings.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 22

Desmond Ridder is struggling, coming off a bad game against the Jaguars. How much longer does he have to turn it around?

USA Today -- Rank: 18

They're sticking with QB Desmond Ridder ... for now. We'd pivot to Taylor Heinicke ... until the offseason.

The Athletic -- Rank: 22

What was supposed to be one of the NFL's most interesting offenses has instead been Bijan Robinson and not much else. The rookie running back has 72 touches (carries and catches) and has gained 36 percent of the Falcons scrimmage yards this season (the second-highest percentage in the NFL). Meanwhile, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts have combined for 22 touches. In related news, Atlanta is averaging 4.8 points in the first half this year, which ranks 30th in the league.

FOX -- Rank: 15

It's not a stretch to say the Falcons' playoff hopes hinge on Desmond Ridder improving this season, and Sunday didn't do much to inspire confidence. Ridder looked flustered against Jacksonville, and he was picked off twice in a row when he tried to make things happen. Atlanta has scored one touchdown since Week 2. Ridder doesn't have to be perfect, but he has to improve to keep this from being a trend.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 23

The Falcons' leading receiver? It's Jonnu Smith, of course. His 179 yards are 45 more than anyone else. That's the best way to sum up why it's hard to get excited about Atlanta. The Patriots, who need offensive talent, gave Smith to the Falcons for a seventh-round draft pick in March. And now Smith is the centerpiece of Atlanta's passing offense. That's not going to take you very far.

PFT -- Rank: 19

Taylor Heinecke could soon have a chance to buy more Jordans.

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