NFL Power Rankings: Falcons Falling? Who's On The Hot Seat?

How far did the Atlanta Falcons drop ESPN's power rankings?

The Atlanta Falcons are going to go as far as quarterback Desmond Ridder takes them. 

He's the Falcons' biggest question mark as they look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Those questions surrounding the second-year quarterback led to ESPN putting him on the hot seat and ranking Atlanta as the 28th team in its preseason power rankings. 

They were ranked 26th earlier in the offseason. 

"Ridder is entering his first full season as a starting NFL quarterback, and the Falcons have invested a lot around him, from three top-10 picks in receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts and offensive option Bijan Robinson to signing right guard Chris Lindstrom to the biggest contract for a guard in NFL history," ESPN writes. "If Ridder plays well, Atlanta might have one of the most intriguing offenses in the NFL. If he doesn't, the Falcons will have questions at quarterback for another 12 months."

The Falcons possessed one of the best running attacks last season, as they were third in rushing yards per game (159.9). The ground game will have a chance to be even better with the addition of rookie running back Bijan Robinson and most of the offensive line returning. 

Atlanta should also have a much-improved defense compared to the united that allowed the 23rd most points per game (22.7) in 2022 after signing safety Jessie Bates III, defensive lineman Calais Campbell and defensive tackle David Onyemata among other moves. 

Atlanta has the pieces to make the postseason for the first time since 2017. But if they're going to reach that ceiling, they'll need Ridder to do his part. 

If he struggles, the Falcons will likely miss the playoffs for a sixth straight year and questions about the quarterback position and head coach Arthur Smith's job security will only grow louder. 

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