Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings: Week 8 sees the Eagles sitting at No. 1

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 22: Malcolm Butler #21 is congratulated by Patrick Chung #23 of the New England Patriots after breaking up a pass during the fourth quarter of a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 22: Malcolm Butler #21 is congratulated by Patrick Chung #23 of the New England Patriots after breaking up a pass during the fourth quarter of a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

. New England Patriots. 4. team. 47. . 5-2

I told you not to write off the Patriots even though they were scuffling earlier this season.

Yes, the Patriots defense is still a question mark moving forward. And the Falcons offense has had its share of issues, so take the 23-7 New England victory any way you want it. But the Pats defense has quietly held opponents to 14, 17 and seven points over the last three weeks, respectively, so perhaps this unit is getting back to its old ways.

Quarterback Tom Brady was, well, Brady-ish during this prime-time contest, completing over 72 percent of his passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns. And it was good to see speedy wide receiver Brandin Cooks factor into the offensive game plan once again.

But we all know the Patriots don’t need elite receivers to compete.

New England hosts the Chargers in Week 8, and it wouldn’t be a shock at all to see head coach Bill Belichick and Co. climb back into the top three of our NFL power rankings next week.