Expert's Take: Falcons at Giants

During the Falcons season, experts from the national media will check in with their thoughts on the team, the NFL and upcoming Falcons opponents. Introducing "Expert's Take." This week's Q&A features David Elfin of The Washington Times.

AF.COM: At this point of the 2009 NFL season, what three things have stood out to you thus far?
DE: A -- How many bad teams there are. The Redskins could go 2-14 and not have a Top-5 pick. B -- That the older quarterbacks (Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Donovan McNabb, Tom Brady and Drew Brees) remain the game's best. C -- That unproven coaches can win right away (Josh McDaniels, Jim Caldwell) following the trend started by Mike Tomlin in 2007 and followed last year by John Harbaugh, Tony Sparano and Mike Smith. Maybe, just maybe, the Shanahans, Grudens, Cowhers and Holmgrens won't ever come back because owners will go for the youung, hungry no-names.

AF.COM: You got a chance to see the Falcons up close last Sunday as they defeated the Washington Redskins 31-17.  What were your thoughts about the Falcons and can they be considered an NFC playoff contender?
DE: I love Michael Turner and Tony Gonzalez. I like Roddy White and Matt Ryan (though not against the Redskins). Sam Baker needs to get healthy and recapture his form. With the Giants, Packers and Niners fading, I think the Falcons have to be considered a top wild card contender. However, Ryan's struggles away from home would concern me in road playoff games and I don't think the defense is title-worthy yet.

AF.COM: There has been a lot of discussion this season about the play of safeties.  In your opinion, who are the top five safeties (free or strong) in the NFL and give us a sentence or two on each one?
DE: Ed Reed is one of the best ballhawks ever and also hits like a linebacker. Troy Polamalu's ball skills aren't as good as Reed's, but he can bring it. Darren Sharper is showing that there's still room in the Pro Bowl for an older safety with great instincts and hands. Having seen mostly Redskins games so far (Giants, Rams, Lions, Bucs, Panthers, Chiefs, Eagles, Falcons) with no Pro Bowl safety in sight that's as far as I can rightly go. but I've also always liked Arizona's Adrian Wilson and Polamalu's partner, Ryan Clark.

AF.COM: After a slow start, Falcons running back Michael Turner has put together three good games.  Do you think he's one of the top five running backs in the NFL this season?
DE: Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson are Nos. 1 and 1A. Cedric Benson is the out of nowhere story of the year. After his last two games, I would put Turner in the next group with Thomas Jones, Steven Jackson, Maurice Jones-Drew and Ray Rice. 

AF.COM: The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped a tough one last Sunday? What are your thoughts on Mike Tomlin's team?
DE: I think the Steelers got their mojo back when Rashard Mendenall replaced Willie Parker as the No. 1 back. A Pittsburgh team that couldn't run the ball at all just didn't seem right. With as well as Ben Roethlisberger is playing and with the defense as talented and physical as it is, the Steelers will win the AFC North and be a serious threat to get back to the Super Bowl if they avenge their Week 3 loss to the Bengals on Sunday.