NFL power rankings: 49ers stay even, Patriots fall entering Week 3

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots walks off the field during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 16, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots walks off the field during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 16, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 16: Robert Alford #23 and Ricardo Allen #37 of the Atlanta Falcons rect to a pass intended for DJ Moore #12 of the Carolina Panthers being broken up during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 16: Robert Alford #23 and Ricardo Allen #37 of the Atlanta Falcons rect to a pass intended for DJ Moore #12 of the Carolina Panthers being broken up during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

So much for all those offensive concerns with coordinator Steve Sarkisian and the Falcons, right?

With running back Devonta Freeman out with an injury, Tevin Coleman shouldered the majority of the workload on the ground and to a tune of 107 yards on 16 carries. That performance was vital, especially considering Carolina’s fourth-quarter surge.

Of course, the bigger focus is in quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones, who teamed up to contribute to an impressive 442-yard performance through the air and on the ground. No. 2 wideout Calvin Ridley also was solid, logging one of Ryan’s two touchdowns thrown on the day.

And it always helps to go 4-of-4 in the red zone. No doubting that.

We’ve seen both highs and lows from Atlanta this early in the season. So a swing game against the Saints in Week 3 should be a pretty good determining factor where head coach Dan Quinn’s squad is heading this season.

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