The Falcons were underdogs heading into their Week 1 road loss to the Vikings, but the way they were dominated in all three phases was concerning to say the least.
Coming into the year with high expectations, Atlanta’s Sunday matchup in Minnesota was supposed to be a potential NFC playoff preview. Instead, it was a reality check for Dan Quinn and the Falcons.
Doug Farrar of the Touchdown Wire released his weekly power rankings and the Falcons were ranked all the way down at No. 24.
It’s hard to blame him though, as the Falcons did little to suggest that they’re going to be any better than last season. Farrar is most concerned about the Falcons offensive line struggles in Week 1.
Atlanta was actually down 28-0 before Minnesota stopped clamping down defensively, and Ryan was able to eke out two meaningless touchdown passes. Before that, Ryan was absolutely under siege, just as he was in the preseason behind an offensive line that seemed incapable of protecting him. Ryan isn’t mobile enough to survive this if it continues, and when you add in a defense that bent all over the place against the Vikings’ rushing attack, this is a team in trouble on both sides of the ball.
The Falcons are going to be without starting right guard Chris Lindstrom for at least eight weeks after he suffered a broken foot in Week 1. So things could get worse before they get better.
A win in Week 2 would help restore confidence as Atlanta plays host to the Philadelphia Eagles, Farrar’s No. 4 team.
