Atlanta Falcons (8-0) NOT Who You Think They Are, True Test Will Be in Playoffs
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The Atlanta Falcons remain the only undefeated team in the
NFL with an 8-0 record, but they are not who you think they are. Not discrediting
their success or talent in quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receiver, Roddy White,
and running back, Michael Turner, but looking at their schedule, they have not
played any strong opponents. Let’s take a look at their eight games through the
first half of the season.
3 of their wins came against teams who are currently in last
place in their division, Kansas City Chiefs (week 1), Washington Redskins (week
5), and Carolina Panthers (week 4). Another Falcon win came in week 2 versus
Denver Broncos, who at the time had a fresh returning Peyton Manning getting
readjusted to the NFL and a new team. Denver Broncos has continued to improve
since their meeting with the Falcons as they are currently 5-3, and first in
AFC North. Peyton Manning is also leading quarterbacks with a QB rating of 108.6.
Matt Ryan is number 3 at 103.0.
Of the other four games Atlanta has won, two of them were
against struggling teams in the NFC East, Philadelphia Eagles (week 8), and
Dallas Cowboys (week 9). Eagles (2nd place) and Cowboys (3rd
place) are both 3-5. The other two of these four wins were against AFC West, 3rd
place Oakland Raiders (week 6), who are 3-5 right behind the last place, 1-7
Kansas City Chiefs, and Atlanta defeated the San Diego Chargers (week 3) who
are also struggling in AFC West with a 4-4 record in second place.
The second half of the season gets tougher for NFL football.
The Falcons appear to have a soft schedule in this second half based on how their
opponents are playing. The only threat to them may be versus their division,
New Orleans Saints, when they will meet for the first time this season on
Veterans Day, November 11 at Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans. The Saints
are 3-1 in their last four games after starting the season 0-4. Atlanta will
also face champions, New York Giants in week 15 which may be a challenge for
them as well.
It is apparent that the Falcons will be a top seed in the
NFC playoffs if they continue at the pace they are going, but they will not win
the conference. The top teams in the NFC right now besides Atlanta Falcons are,
Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, and Green Bay Packers.
Either of these teams can be a problem for the Falcons in the playoffs. The
Bears have a dominating defense as well as the 49ers. The Giants are the
champions for a reason, and have a defense and offense that can keep up with
the Falcons. Green Bay Packers are turning their season around and are on a
four game winning streak after starting 2-3.
As usual, the regular season means nothing if you can’t win
it all in the postseason. New England Patriots, just one team for example,
proved that when they went 16-0 and lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl
XLII.
The Falcons true test will come in the playoffs.
Nate Gray
@nategrayzone
Facebook: NateGrayZone
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