Pass rush, pass rush, pass rush. It’s been a big topic of conversation around the Atlanta Falcons for years. The Falcons were once again last in the NFL with five sacks through six weeks of the 2024 season.

But when you look at the rest of the NFC South, the Falcons haven’t been this well positioned in the division in a long time. That appeared to be the message Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon conveyed in his 32 thoughts before the Week 7 NFL article on Oct. 18.

The Carolina Panthers, starting at the bottom of the division, continue to be a doormat in the league this season. On Friday, Gagnon described the Panthers as “not going anywhere soon.”

But suddenly the New Orleans Saints also have big problems. Opponents have outscored the Saints 60-10 over the last six quarters. They lost their fifth game in a row Thursday Night Football to start week 7.

“They are crumbling, and it’s not just Derek Carr,” Gagnon wrote. “Without the veteran quarterback, Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave, and with the offensive line already a liability, things are going to get ugly in New Orleans.”

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still a threat. But Gagnon suggested they haven’t been as stable as the Falcons this season.

“A crazy loss in Atlanta followed by a crazy win in New Orleans,” Gagnon wrote. “Anything that goes crazy on Monday night against Baltimore will probably result in an L. You need to take a breath.”

Gagnon’s only thought focused on the Falcons heading into Week 7 was the team’s pass rush. The Falcons have recorded just two sacks in their last four games.

But the team is 3-1 in this stretch, including three straight wins. Those three wins came at the expense of the other three NFC South teams.

There’s no doubt the Falcons need to get their pass rush going. But there isn’t a single team in the NFL that’s perfect in October. Maybe the Falcons will arrange a blockbuster trade to get a step closer to a full roster.

But Atlanta’s 3-0 start in the NFC South is hugely significant, especially with road games against the Buccaneers and Saints coming up next month.

So far, the Falcons have dealt with their biggest divisional threats at home. They’ve also overcome the demons of last year’s terrible loss in Charlotte.

This makes each team feel good about their position in their division race.