Falcons Slide in Rankings After Shutout Loss to Buccaneers

On November 4, the Falcons’ average position across the rankings cited was No. 19, down from about No. 16.75 the previous week. Tampa Bay rose to an average of No. 16.5, while Carolina averaged No. 19 and New Orleans No. 26.5. Cincinnati, Atlanta’s next opponent, averaged No. 9 in the rankings that included it.

The loss in Tampa was especially damaging for Atlanta’s offense: Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions, and the Falcons did not complete a pass in the torrential rain. Their defense gave up 324 rushing yards in the 16-0 defeat.

The outlets differed on how much the loss affected Atlanta. Sports Illustrated placed the Falcons at No. 19, three spots lower, and said the team missed a chance to lean on running back Bijan Robinson. CBS also ranked Atlanta No. 19, unchanged, while criticizing Penix’s turnovers and the defense’s struggles against the run.

NFL.com dropped the Falcons four places to No. 17, faulting both the offense and the defense’s inability to contain Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell. ESPN moved Atlanta down two places to No. 21 and focused on the team’s past trade additions.

The Falcons next travel to face the Bengals, led by Joe Burrow. Cincinnati’s offense averages 288.4 passing yards and 29.4 points per game. Atlanta will look to respond after the loss, with the possible return of James Pearce Jr. identified as a potentially important factor.