Patriots Pregame Thread 11/2/25 - Atlanta Falcons vs NE Patriots pregame thread

[patchick]

Think there will be any changes to the passing playbook from the absence one of the best pass-blocking RBs in the league?

 

[mike_usagisan]

Think there will be any changes to the passing playbook from the absence one of the best pass-blocking RBs in the league?

Atlanta has one of the best pass defenses in the NFL, having not given up a 200 yard pass game yet. They're weak in the run, so I think we're going to see a lot of runs on Sunday.

 

[maust]

I count the recovered onside kick as a TO, just like you'd count a missed 4th down play.

I count the failure to cover the inside kick as a great teaching moment

 

[Tunescribe]

Wonder how serious that toe is? Might be some truth to trading for a RB now.

 

[mgteich]

Atlanta has one of the best pass defenses in the NFL, having not given up a 200 yard pass game yet. They're weak in the run, so I think we're going to see a lot of runs on Sunday.

Obviously ATL isn't a good matchup for a team that has lost its #1 RB and relies on the pass.

 

[Mike the Brit]

I think D'Ernest Johnson could do a job for them.

He played for the Browns against the Pats on November 14, 2021.

His numbers: 19 carries, 99 yards (5.2 avg), long 24, 0 TD; 7 catches, 58 yards, long 18, on 8 targets. Not that it helped much. The final score was Browns 7 Patriots 45.

Weirdly, the Browns scored first in that game!

Trivia question (no Googling): who scored the first touchdown?

 

[mgteich]

I think D'Ernest Johnson could do a job for them.

He played for the Browns against the Pats on November 14, 2021.

His numbers: 19 carries, 99 yards (5.2 avg), long 24, 0 TD; 7 catches, 58 yards, long 18, on 8 targets. Not that it helped much. The final score was Browns 7 Patriots 45.

Weirdly, the Browns scored first in that game!

Trivia question (no Googling): who scored the first touchdown?

If this were to happen, Stevenson would be gone on Monday.

 

[Tunescribe]

tIf this were to happen, Stevenson would be gone on Monday.

I wonder if D'Ernest is a shorthand moniker for dead earnest. If so, maybe we're in luck.

 

[Vindicate]

Agreed here. I Don't really know what to make of Atlanta defense.. I mean they did beat the Bills but first series Allen carved them up hitting a deep pass over the middle to palmer.. I feel like the Browns have the best defensive line in the league and Drake made plays on them.

Also who needs big passing numbers when teams are getting roughly the same amount of rushing yards on the defense as well.

Rushing yards allowed in each game:

1. 101 - Bucs
2. 78 - Vikings
3. 110 - Panthers
4. 147 - Commanders
5. Bye
6. 134 - Bills
7. 171 - Niners
8. 141 - Dolphins

The Falcons can be attacked on both fronts, and maybe teams are playing ahead and don't feel the need to pass as much. They can create some turnovers but forfeit a ball about once per game as well. Their run D has been getting worse as the season goes on.

 

[maust]

Wonder how serious that toe is? Might be some truth to trading for a RB now.

 

[RobertWeathers]

That was my impression too but they're both 5'8" with Pop listed at 198 and Woodhead was 208 so not a huge difference.

10lbs of muscle is a lot of strength.

 

[rochrist]

We won last Sunday despite losing the turnover battle 2-3. That doesn't happen often and probably won't happen again against a team with Atlanta's talent. They are going to be pretty much at full strength, and they have l lot of brand name offensive talent. They also have a decent OL with includes all pro's Chris Lindstrom and Jake Matthews. (And I never miss the chance to mention that I coached Chris Lindstrom's dad, who also played in the NFL, even though in HS, his dad was like 6'3 200lb skinny and uncoordinated, who bloomed in college at BC )

What was the third turnover? They had the INT, and two fumbles, one of which was recovered. The box score has them at 2-2.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

What was the third turnover? They had the INT, and two fumbles, one of which was recovered. The box score has them at 2-2.

People count the onside recovery

 

[patfanken]

What was the third turnover? They had the INT, and two fumbles, one of which was recovered. The box score has them at 2-2.

Like I said earlier, I count the recovered onside kick as a turnover. They lost a possession and gave the Titans an extra one

 

[Hammer of Thor]

Raheem Morris says Penix is starting.

Michael Penix Jr. will start Sunday vs. Patriots

Count the Falcons among the several teams that will have their QB1 back behind center in Week 9.

www.nbcsports.com

 

[jdlboot14]

I'm not that scared of Penix, but London being back, along with Pitts and Bijan do make for a pretty potent top 3 weapons.
It's going to be good test for our D - who have struggled early and even made the sucky Titans & Browns offense look good for the first 1.5 quarters.
But they have a lot of ailing players on D. I would love to see a very steady run game chew up some long TD drives.

 

[reflexblue]

Obviously ATL isn't a good matchup for a team that has lost its #1 RB and relies on the pass.

I think they'll just have to endeavor to perceiver I'm sure micky D will figure a way around not having rhom

 

[Mack Herron]

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I'm not that scared of Penix, but London being back, along with Pitts and Bijan do make for a pretty potent top 3 weapons.
It's going to be good test for our D - who have struggled early and even made the sucky Titans & Browns offense look good for the first 1.5 quarters.
But they have a lot of ailing players on D. I would love to see a very steady run game chew up some long TD drives.

Henderson had a mini breakout game last week. Maybe the full breakout comes Sunday??

 

[patfanken]

I think people are underrating this Atlanta team, they seem to match up well against us. Sure, they are weak against the run, but until last week, WE have been a weak running team, who will likely be without our bell cow runner and will have to rely on a rookie whose highest number of rushing attempts this year has been 10. He was better last week, but this is a major step up.

Atlanta's pass defense really does sound excellent. I find it hard to believe that they haven't allowed more than 200yds passing in ANY game this season. That is impressive. We will need to upgrade the pass blocking because clearly they have been very good shutting down QB's first options and are fast to the ball on short completions.

It's not fair to compare any young QB with what Maye is doing, but in that Buffalo game, Pennix was more than solid, and is certainly good enough to be US if we turn the ball over or fail to block for Henderson and May. Plus, they are getting back perhaps 3 big guys which helps elevate a team's performance. (London,

In our favor we are at home, and they don't seem to play as well outside, and we HAVE been playing better football so far this season. But we NEED to hold on to the ball (no more than one TO if any) and rely on a rookie and a guy who couldn't make the 53 man roster to establish a running game. Drake will not be able to have the luxury of a step back game. He is going to have to be brilliant in this one too.