NFL Power Rankings: Panthers are new No. 1 entering Week 13

Iron eagle. Lead balloon. Cinderblock with a tissue parachute. Pick your metaphor, because that’s the equivalent to the Atlanta Falcons right now.

The Falcons are in an absolute free fall and in need of desperate help some relief. For the second consecutive week Atlanta was more or less done in by mistakes from quarterback Matt Ryan. Against the Indianapolis Colts it was a pick-six that allowed the Colts to tie the game in the fourth, and later go on to win. Then, against the Minnesota Vikings, Ryan threw a third quarter interception with his team in the red zone (3rd and goal, to be exact). Matty Ice has been anything but clutch.

If there’s a silver lining at all, it’s that Tevin Coleman had a very nice game against the Vikings. Filling in for the concussed Devonta Freeman, Coleman rushed for over 100 yards. It’s a nice sign that the Falcons’ offensive line – which has been less than stellar for quite some time – is starting to gel.

But still, if Atlanta was to have any shot at the postseason, it needed to win against Minnesota. The Falcons still have two games against the Carolina Panthers, and a pair against feisty Florida teams Tampa Bay and Jacksonville.

In a vacuum, the Falcons have exceeded expectations this season. However, when comparing the current state to their form earlier in the year this is a team in serious disrepair.

Next: 14. Oakland Raiders