NFL Power Rankings, Week 1: Dolphins hurt by trade talk, Bears look foolish

The Atlanta Falcons were one of the teams that just decided to keep their quarterback on ice throughout the preseason, which is not a problem because Matty Ice is fine in cold weather. I’ll issue a formal apology for that porous attempt at humor later, but the truth is, Matt Ryan probably could have used a series or two in the preseason.

Unfortunately, he’s dealt with a ton of changes when it comes to play-callers throughout his career and is going through it again with Arthur Smith now in charge of the team. The former Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator is well-respected and his scheme could help Ryan a lot.

Still, it could have been good to get him some work in the exhibition games so he could have worked some of the kinks out.

Having said all that, Ryan — even if he starts slower than he should — is not the issue in Atlanta. He will put up a ton of yards, even without Julio Jones. The real concern is the defense in Atlanta.

That unit was carved up by Baker Mayfield and the Browns one week after giving up 37 to Miami. We know not to read too much into the preseason but they need to see some improvement on that side of the ball or risk another poor finish in 2021.