Let's see. The Philadelphia Eagles were humming along on defense, ranked seventh in the league in yards allowed per game, held back only by an offense that was turning the ball over at an alarming rate.

Then Andy Reid comes along and dumps defensive coordinator Juan Castillo at the start of the team's recent bye week, scape-goating Castillo for the team's luke-warm record, even thought the defense was playing well.

Like so many decisions he's made lately, however, Reid's bizarre move backfired badly.

Yes, they were playing the undefeated Falcons on Sunday but the Eagles' defense looked decidedly inept in their 30-17 loss. Matt Ryan picked apart the Philly secondary to the tune of 22 for 29 for 262 yars and three TDs. The Falcs added an additional 146 yards on the ground, mostly after half time when the game was already in the bag.

It's been a lost season so far for a Philadelphia team I thought would challenge for the title; Reid's strange decision to fix what ain't broke has set this talented Eagles team back even further.

With that said, what else did we learn from this past weekend's games?

We learned that the Giants really can't stand prosperity, even though they held on (barely) to win their game over Dallas and cement their position atop the NFC East. With Cowboy qb Tony Romo and his stone-handed receivers doing everything in their power to give the game away to New York in the first half, the Giants went to sleep in the second. They were lucky to escape with a win and, if they play true to form, should now go into a three- or four-game tailspin.

We learned that Brian Urlacher's return did nothing to hinder a Bears defense that is already top of the league while Jonathan Vilma isn't helping his Saints teammates very much in his return to the field. The Bears escaped something of a trap game against Carolina while New Orleans got run over by Peyton Manning and his high-flying Denver offense. Urlacher (six tackles and an assist) didn't play badly for Chicago while Vilma (three tackles and an assist) had less of an impact for a New Orleans defense that needs help badly.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins established themselves as the probable bridesmaids behind the Patroits in the AFC East by pummelling the Jests. How poorly does Mark Sanchez have to play, and for how long, before Sexy Rexy finally decides to give Tebow a chance? There's stubborness and then there's hurting your own team by refusing to admit that you're wrong, Rex.

And maybe it's time I stop underestimating the Falcons. Atlanta is still undefeated after its destruction of the Eagles. I had allowed a couple of close escapes cloud my judgement but no more. The Falcons dominated Philadelphia from the opening whistle. Could it be San Fran, Green Bay and the Giants have something to fear from the Atlanta club?