Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings: 32-team overreactions heading into Week 2

By Peter Panacy

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown by Phillip Dorsett #13 (not pictured) during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown by Phillip Dorsett #13 (not pictured) during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 06: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 6, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 06: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 6, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

13. team. 44. . L, 18-12 @ Eagles. Previous: . Atlanta Falcons

Was it the Eagles’ stout defense or completely awful play calling by offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian that ultimately led to such an uninspiring offensive performance by the Falcons on Thursday night?

Perhaps a combination of both, as the Falcons couldn’t take advantage of a lowly performance by Eagles quarterback Nick Foles in this prime-time 2018 season debut.

The Falcons offense has yet to find a way to jive since losing Kyle Shanahan to the 49ers in 2017, and one can see how Sarkisian might wind up being on the hot seat if Atlanta’s offensive woes continue deep into the regular season. He does, after all, boast one of the more talented rosters on this side of the ball, including quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receiver Julio Jones, running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman.

Jones and Coleman were good in the effort, particularly the former and his 169 yards. But Ryan and an injured Freeman weren’t. Ryan failing to take advantage of Jones in the red zone was about as frustrating as it gets.

The Falcons defense did its job. But as long as the offense remains inconsistent, we’ll likely see Atlanta stay out of the top 10 in our NFL power rankings.