NFL Power Rankings: Top 10 After Week Two

Sep 15, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) straight arms St. Louis Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) during the second half at Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Rams 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

5. Atlanta Falcons:

The Falcons picked up their first win of this young NFL season against a very game St Louis Rams team, 31-24. Matt Ryan was once again very good, throwing for 374 yards, and two touchdowns against a very good cornerback pairing of Janoris Jenkins and Cortland Finnegan. Julio Jones had a field day, which included a huge 81 yard catch and run touchdown. To add to the big play touchdowns, off season acquisition Osi Umenyiora picked off Sam Bradford for a 68 yard touchdown as well. However despite all this, I saw a few weaknesses, including… The running game! Steven Jackson went down after he scored off an eight yard pass from Matt Ryan in the first quarter, and did not return. This is a massive blow, as it seems the Falcons had figured out their running back problems. Now things rest on the shoulders of the diminutive Jacquizz Rodgers, and career backup Jason Snelling. I also have some reserves about their pass defense, and secondary. This team could never really put the Rams away, and when the Rams started passing the ball primarily, the Falcons did little to stop them. Unheralded players like Austin Pettis, Chris Givens and rookie Tavon Austin seemed to give them fits. I’m once again on the fence when it comes to the Atlanta Falcons. They always have such a solid team, but nothing that ever really blows you away, and they may have troubles moving the ball if Roddy White’s injury concerns continue.