Are the Atlanta Falcons the NFL's Best Team? - Bleacher Report

The Atlanta Falcons absolutely dominated the Kansas City Chiefs inside the raucous Arrowhead Stadium in Week 1, and rode three first-quarter interceptions and another stellar game from quarterback Matt Ryan to a victory in Week 2 at home.

There are only six teams currently 2-0, and Mike Smith's squad is certainly in the "NFL's best team" conversation heading into Week 3.

Right? 

Time to examine. 

Let's start with Matt Ryan, the heart and soul of this Atlanta team. He's flirted with that elite status during the regular season over the last three years, and has started the 2012 campaign on fire. He leads the league with a 117.6 QB rating, has the best touchdown-to-interception ratio and averages a respectable 259 yards passing per game. 

We all know how vital a quarterback is to his team, especially in this day and age, and Ryan appears to have made the next stride as a dynamic signal-caller. 

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If he continues to play as efficiently as he has thus far, the Falcons will be well on their way to an NFC South crown. Fortunately for Ryan, he has the offensive weapons to do it. 

Julio Jones was held in check against the Broncos, catching only four passes for 14 yards, but the second-year wideout is supremely talented and is a matchup horror for any defensive back. What makes Atlanta's offense so difficult to stop is the presence of Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez and even slot target Harry Douglas. 

With Denver focusing much of its secondary attention Jones' way, White and Gonzalez combined for 15 catches, 172 yards and two touchdowns. 

If you're going to be a pass-happy club, you need an accurate quarterback who exudes confidence and a formidable set of pass-catchersâ€"exactly what the Falcons have. 

Atlanta isn't loaded on defense, but it certainly has a nice core of established veterans. If Brent Grimes didn't go down with injury, the Falcons would have had the makings of what may have been the deepest secondary in football. 

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Even without the pesky cover man, Asante Samuel, Dunta Robinson and Thomas DeCoud lead an aggressive group that should excel in Mike Nolan's 4-3 scheme. 

John Abraham is 34, but he still has a nonstop motor and a repertoire of pass-rushing movesâ€"he's still a viable penetrator coming off the edge. Sean Weatherspoon is an emerging star at the "WILL" linebacker spot and Nolan's confusing front seven alignments will confuse most quarterbacks in the future. 

An elite group? 

No. 

But one with potential that will be good enough if the Falcons offense can put points on the board. 

Does the Falcons' running game concern you?

Does the Falcons' running game concern you?

• Yes.

• No.

• Unsure. Need to see more.

• Total votes: 0

However, I can't call Atlanta the best team in football due to its lack of explosiveness in the running game. Michael Turner isn't the punishing bruiser he used to be, and he was arrested on a DUI charge after Monday night's victory (h/t Atlanta Journal-Constitution).

After Turner, there isn't a guy you can confidently say will step up and morph the Falcons' run game into a productive unit. 

Jason Snelling's a veteran, but he only received one carry against the Broncos. Jacquizz Rodgers can make defenders miss, but his lack of size limits him as a reliable contributor. 

Not to worry, Falcons faithful, your team is not too far off. 

The only club that's been more balanced and impressive through two weeks is the San Francisco 49ers. 

Alex Smith is proving to be an extremely proficient quarterback, recognizing coverages and blitzes pre-snap and adjusting his team accordingly. Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter run behind a powerful and quick offensive line that creates gaping alleys. 

The receiving corps isn't as electric as the Falcons group, but you cannot nap on Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.

Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE

On defense, well, the 49ers defense is sound from nose tackle to safety. The linebacker contingent is by far the most impactful in the league and the defensive line is intimidating and disciplined.

So, are the Falcons the best team in the NFL?

They're not even the best team in the NFC, but that's only because the 49ers have played exceptionally well against two quality opponents to start the year, thus setting the bar extraordinarily high.