NFL power rankings: 49ers surge in Week 3, while Saints fall

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 15: Richie James #13 and Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after Goodwin made a catch for a first down in the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

17 of 33

ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 15: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons speaks with Julio Jones #11 prior to an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Previous: . Atlanta Falcons. 17. team. 44. . 1-1

W, 24-20 vs. Eagles

Boy, what a tough and much-needed win for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football.

A week after being totally embarrassed on the road against the Minnesota Vikings, the Falcons managed to hold off a late surge by the visiting Philadelphia Eagles, who were poised to take advantage of a Falcons offense completely disjointed in Week 1.

Sunday’s performance certainly wasn’t the best for quarterback Matt Ryan, who tossed three interceptions in the injury-filled contest.

But Ryan’s biggest toss, a game-winning pass to wide receiver Julio Jones for a go-ahead fourth-quarter touchdown, made up for the earlier mistakes.

In total, Ryan was 27-of-43 for 320 yards, tossing three touchdowns as well. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s defense held the Eagles to a mere 286 yards, forcing two interceptions in the process, which were also key in the Falcons getting back to .500 after such a rough start.

Now, the question is whether or not Atlanta can find any sort of consistency. That’s been elusive.