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NFL Power Rankings, Week 2: Saints blow by Packers, Kyler and Cardinals shine

By Randy Gurzi

Sep 12, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) runs during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) runs during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Power Rankings
Sep 12, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) gets sacked by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (97) and defensive end Brandon Graham (55) during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

team. 44. . . Previous: 25th. Atlanta Falcons. 27

This was not the debut the Atlanta Falcons wanted to kick off the Arthur Smith era. The former Tennesee Titans offensive coordinator felt as though he could have a lot of success with Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense but after one game, they have more questions than answers.

Ryan was held to just 164 yards on the day and the team ended up with only 136 yards through the air when you take away the yardage from his three sacks. On the ground, they had 126 yards with Cordarrelle Patterson leading the way with 54 yards on seven attempts.

In all, that’s 260 yards for an offense that was expected to be high-flying — and they will have to be in order to make up for their defense. That defense was again rough on Sunday, giving up 434 yards to the Philadelphia Eagles and it could have been worse if the Eagles didn’t have this game put away early, meaning they took their feet off the gas.

Atlanta wound up losing 32-6 in front of their home crowd. Making matters worse, they now have to hit the road for their second game, which will be in Tampa Bay where the Buccaneers had extra time to prepare for the game since they played on Thursday Night Football. It could be 0-2 before long for Smith and the Dirty Birds.

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