Falcons still have a clear path to the NFC South title despite brutal start

Garrett Klaus of Blogging Dirty argues that the Atlanta Falcons hold a viable path to the NFC South title despite an 0-2 start. Following an opening stretch that included benching Cooper Rush, the Falcons improved to 1-2 after defeating the Green Bay Packers 35-14. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. returned to lead an offense featuring 194 rushing yards from Bijan Robinson and 194 receiving yards from Drake London.

Klaus highlights issues facing divisional rivals, noting the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers are also 1-2, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sit at 0-3. Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield faces three weeks out with a dislocated thumb, and Carolina placed starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson on injured reserve. Klaus contends Atlanta can capitalize starting Monday against New Orleans.