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The Falcons continue to hang around .500 and the wild-card race, but much of that has been because of whom Atlanta has beaten. The Falcons' five wins have all come against teams currently with records of under .500 -- including two that would be drafting in the top 5 if the season ended today. Consistency has been a problem, and when Atlanta plays good teams, it has led to bad results. Plus, the schedule the rest of the way is not very kind, with games against Tampa Bay, San Francisco and Buffalo among the final six. -- Michael Rothstein

It won't be long before this middling Falcons team is consigned to the dustbin of history, rarely to be referenced by future historians of the sport. But I'll remember Cordarrelle Patterson, and how Arthur Smith helped turn a veteran wide receiver and special teams ace into one of the league's most productive running backs. Patterson was on his game again on Sunday, tallying 135 total yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Jaguars. With Calvin Ridley absent and rookie tight end Kyle Pitts a hit-or-miss contributor, Patterson has been the most dependable aspect of Atlanta's attack all season. Never forget.

At 5-6, they are still alive, but do we really think they are good? We will know for sure when they play the Bucs this week.

Prior to RB Cordarrelle Patterson's 27-yard breakaway Sunday, Atlanta hadn't had a 20-yard run all season.

Problem area: Both lines. Matt Ryan has been hit more than any quarterback in the NFL. The running game has been stuck in neutral when Cordarrelle Patterson isn't in the game. Atlanta's offensive line has some issues to work through, but it's still a young group. The Falcons also are last in the league in sacks and pressure rate, according to TruMedia. Dean Pees has schemed some blitzes, but the Falcons don't have a pass rusher on the edge who strikes fear into opposing offenses. If Atlanta doesn't take a quarterback in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, addressing either the offensive or defensive line would be a wise move.