Eagles stay in the top 10 of most NFL power rankings — but fall very far in one

The Eagles suffered a disastrous loss to the Atlanta Falcons at home. A third-down drop from Saquon Barkley and a clutch drive from Kirk Cousins were a recipe for disaster. Despite the loss, the Birds managed to stay in the top 10 of most power rankings. Here’s where some experts think things stand after Week 2 …

NFL.com: 6th

After a few costly plays from the Eagles late in their loss to the Falcons, they fell to the sixth spot in the NFL’s power rankings, two spots below last week's rankings. 

What they’re saying: “Barkley dropped a wide-open third-down pass … Hurts’ final desperation ball was picked in the waning seconds, and Lincoln Financial field was church quiet. Philadelphia’s defense generally needs to clean things up.” — Eric Edholm, NFL.com

ESPN: 6th

The Eagles moved down to the sixth spot in ESPN’s power rankings, one spot below where they were in the site’s Week 2 edition. 

What they’re saying: “[Brandon] Graham has long been a tone-setter in the Eagles' locker room … Graham plans to retire after this season, but Philadelphia needs one more productive campaign out of him to bolster an edge rush group with some question marks.” — Tim McManus, ESPN

FOX Sports: 7th

The Eagles didn’t take too much of a drop in FOX Sports power rankings, falling from the fifth to the seventh spot.

What they’re saying: “Monday night was starting to look like a 2022 type of win, between Jalen Hurts’ running ability and the Eagles’ play in the clutch. The collapse that came after was anything but clutch, as the Eagles now begin a tough road swing after a brutal loss.” — David Helman, Fox Sports

Bleacher Report: 9th

The Eagles fell four spots from their No. 5 spot last week — currently behind the Minnesota Vikings who climbed up from No. 21. It seems like we’re seeing a pattern here.

What they’re saying: “There was questionable coaching … there was poor execution — if Saquon Barkley catches a third-down pass in the flat with less than two minutes left the Eagles run out the clock. And there was uncharacteristically poor defense.” — Bleacher Report staff

USA Today: 9th

USA Today placed the Eagles at No. 9, four spots below their previous No. 5 ranking.

What they’re saying: “They looked more comfortable in South America than they did in South Philly ... HC Nick Sirianni’s decision-making, RB Saquon Barkley’s hands, the secondary’s general “coverage” and QB Jalen Hurts game-sealing interception produced a collective failure Monday night.”  — Nate Davis, USA Today

CBS Sports: 18th

The most drastic drop for the Eagles was at CBS Sports. The Birds fell 10 spots — from number eight to 18 — their lowest ranking, putting them behind the Atlanta Falcons. Somebody has some explaining to do.

What they’re saying: “That was a big-time choke late by the Eagles and head coach Nick Sirianni. Why did he throw it late? Then they let Kirk Cousins go the distance in just under a minute for the game-winner?” — Pete Prisco, CBS Sports