NFL Power Rankings, Week 5: Falcons D Worries CBS, Fox, Everybody

The Atlanta Falcons gave up 319 yards through the air to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, and if not for a late penalty might have suffered a game-losing field goal. I really don't know why anyone would lose their cool over this, since the Falcons won 13 games by playing this sort of skittish football last year. I know I'm wrong, but it feels fine, as crazy as that is. Besides, last week we were stressed about Atlanta's offense while praising the defense.

However, taking a spin around the Web's various NFL power rankings shows few feel quite as confident in the Birds. 

Week 5 NFL power rankings by SB Nation's Joel Thorman see the Falcons tumble to No. 18:

They've won two close ones to bring their record to .500. Is Atlanta part of the 50 percent turnover rate we see from playoff teams year to year?    

Fox Sports' Brian Billick, the closest thing the national media has to a close Falcons observer, lifts the Birds to No. 11, the second-highest-ranked 2-2 team behind the Pittsburgh Steelers:

Survived a scare in Seattle. Matt Ryan had a turnover-free game, but giving up 300-plus yards to Tarvaris Jackson is a concern. Atlanta is very good at home (22-1) under Ryan and Mike Smith, but they need to play their best game of the year to keep up with this week's visiting Packers.    

CBS Sports' Pete Prisco likewise worries about No.14 Atlanta's upcoming opponent, but moves the Falcons up two spots:

They have to show they can be an elite team by beating the Packers this week. The defense just hasn't played that well. Now they get Aaron Rodgers.    

WEEI nudges the Falcons down one to No. 13 after another unconvincing victory:

 Four weeks into the season and there are more question marks than answers in Atlanta. After watching the Falcons squeeze out a victory against an inferior Seahawks team, it's obvious they aren't playing as well as they can. The Falcons allowed one of the worst offensive teams in the league to score 28 points and put over 300 passing yards on the board.   

For more, visit Falcons blog The Falcoholic and SB Nation's NFL news hub.