This game was sloppy. The Atlanta Falcons perform better with Michael Penix and Drake London, but John Parker-Romo’s missed extra point cost them the win. As Drake Maye said, “Find a way to win, it’s not going to be pretty every time.” Remember, the Falcons have the league’s second-ranked defense.
Good
- Drake Maye delivered an above-average performance, completing 19 of 29 passes for 259 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and recording two fumbles, one of which was lost.
- TreVeyon Henderson demonstrated effective interior running, accumulating 55 yards on 14 carries with an average of 3.9 yards per carry.
- Demario Douglas achieved a career milestone with four receptions on six targets, gaining 100 yards and scoring one touchdown.
- Terrell Jennings contributed with 11 carries for 35 yards and secured his first career touchdown. Notably, Jennings played during critical moments, executing two impactful runs that facilitated a manageable third-down situation despite limited yardage.
- Hunter Henry recorded four receptions on six targets and made a decisive 17-yard catch on third-and-five, securing the victory. His decision to remain inbounds helped maintain possession and manage the game clock effectively.
- The Patriots limited Bijan Robinson to under 50 rushing yards (12 carries for 48 yards), while he added eight receptions for 50 yards. The defense consistently tackled him in open space, marking the ninth consecutive game they have contained a top rusher below 50 yards.
- The Patriots’ Defense held Atlanta to 1-10 on 3rd
- The coaching staff demonstrated strategic acumen with a bold first-down pass to Hunter Henry to close out the game.
- In contrast to last season, the team exhibited improved outcomes attributed to leadership from Vrabel, McDaniels, and Kuhr.
- Will Campbell displayed notable effort by pursuing James Pearce and tackling him at the two-yard line. Although Atlanta scored shortly afterward, Campbell’s play exemplified commendable hustle.
- Recognition should be given to Drake London for his outstanding performance, recording nine receptions on 14 targets, 118 yards, and three touchdowns. This included a remarkable effort to remain in bounds on his final score.
- Christian Gonzalez led the team defensively with seven tackles and two passes defended, although he missed a potential interception. Following the game, Gonzalez confirmed he is not in the concussion protocol, which is promising for the upcoming match against Tampa Bay.
- The offensive line started together for the eighth time in nine games this season.
- Maye extended his streak of passing for 200 or more yards and achieving a quarterback rating above 100, tying him for second in league history with Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers after eight consecutive performances.
- Khyiris Tonga at Fullback … Oh my! That’s one big bad mammer jammer coming at ya.
- Ben Bedford-Peltz posted this on X -Drake – Maye faced pressure on 15 dropbacks today. Against the blitz, he went 8-of-12 for 108 yards, taking three sacks and adding one scramble. Coming into the game, the Patriots had a 50% success rate versus the blitz, ranking 14th in the league.
Bad
- Drake Maye needed to take a sack before halftime, allowing a free rusher was costly.
- Michael Onwenu gave up two sacks on blown blocks when the Falcons stunted.
- Maye is holding the ball too long instead of making quick throws under pressure.
- Injuries were significant: Stevenson was unavailable, Boutte’s hamstring injury changed the offense, Ellis missed most of the second half, and Gonzalez left late after Drake London landed on his head.
- The Patriots lost the turnover battle 0-2, which usually leads to defeat.
- The Patriots’ pass rush was anemic. Only K’Lavon Caisson got to Penix for a sack. We need a pass-rusher at the Trade Deadline. Harold Landry was an MIA in this game. His play has gone downhill since his injury earlier this season.
- Maye’s interception appeared to be a miscommunication between Henter Henry and Maye. The pass sailed high when Henry sat in the zone.
- The Patriots’ Defense couldn’t stop the Falcons in the Red Zone. They were 3-3 in the Red Zone.
- Condolences to Pop Douglas, who lost his Uncle to gun violence last night. He played today with a heavy heart.
- This, also from Ben Bedford-Peltz: Offensive Line stats: Campbell 1 sack, 1 pressure; Wilson 1 sack, 2 pressures; Bradbury 1 pressure; Onwenu 1 sack, 3 pressures; Moses 3 pressures. The other 3 sacks were on Drake Maye!
Ugly
- Raheem Morris may face criticism from the Atlanta media for his decision to kick the ball away to the Patriots at the two-minute mark.
- Drake Maye needs to improve situational awareness; rather than attempting to make a play at the end of the first half, he should have taken the sack. His tendency to hold the ball low resulted in a near turnover, which was nearly recovered for a score. While Maye’s smaller hand size is a physical limitation, better technique could mitigate associated risks.
- Marcus Jones encountered significant challenges in a clear mismatch against the 6’4” Drake London.
- The strategic choice by Zak Kuhr to utilize Khyiris Tonga and Cory Burden during Atlanta’s final drive raised concerns, given their limited impact on the pass rush. After securing a first down, the Patriots substituted Milton Williams and Christian Barmore into the game.
- On the final drive, Michael Penix threw an incomplete screen pass disrupted by Jack Gibbens, followed by intentional grounding that resulted in a loss of down and a 10-yard penalty, setting up third and 20. Penix then attempted a difficult pass to Sills that was unsuccessful, and Coach Morris opted to punt with 2:03 remaining instead of pursuing a first down.
- The decision to keep Andy Borregales over Parker Romo appears to have been appropriate.
- There was an opportunity for Raheem Morris and Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson to target Charles Woods upon his substitution for the injured Gonzalez, which was not pursued.
- Kyle Williams was targeted once and may have run an incorrect route during a key play in the fourth quarter. Considering Josh McDaniels’ route tree requires both receiver and quarterback reads based on defensive coverage, it appeared Williams turned inside while the pass was thrown outside. If route execution issues persist, elevating John Jiles from the Practice Squad could be considered, particularly as Boutte is expected to be unavailable for several weeks. Perhaps a WR Trade might be in the works depending on how long Boutte will be out with a tricky Hamstring injury.
- Raheem Morris was bellyaching after the game saying the Patriots simulated the snap by clapping which caused Center Ryan Neuzil to snap the ball before QB Michael Penix was ready. Penix threw the ball into the ground while in the pocket and was called for Intentional Grounding loss of down, and 10-yard penalty. Sounds like home field advantage by the Patriots loud fans. How about not using the college game method of clapping when you are on the road and use the Guard tapping the Center when the QB is ready for the snap. Another example of poor coaching by Morris who is trying to deflect his poor game management. Kudos to the fans that made this a difficult place to play.
Trade Deadline Acquisition
The Trade Deadline is Tuesday November 4th. The Patriots have plenty of needs such as S, LB, Edge Rusher, WR, RB and OG. The injury to Kayshon Boutte should keep him out of at least the next two games, which is Sunday the 9th followed by a Thursday Night football on the 13th versus the Jets. Heer are some names that are rumored to be available. Most of these players are rentals down the stretch.
Edge
Alex Wright ED TEN
Jaelen Phillips ED Miami
Trey Hendrickson ED CIN
Kavon Thibodeaux ED NYG
Offensive Guard
Joel Bitonio CLE
Runningback
Breece Hall NYJ
Tony Pollard TE
Safety
Minkah Fitzpatrick MIA
Amani Hooker TEN
Linebacker
Logan Wilson CIN
Wide Receiver
Jakobi Meyers LV
I don’t believe the Patriots will be willing to part with a Day One or Day Two draft pick to acquire a rental player. A young player with some term left on their contract might do it.
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Add as a preferred source on Google NewsAbout Mark Morse
Merrimack Valley native and lifelong fan of the New England Patriots. My earliest memories of the Patriots were attending as a child with my dad, the off-season practice at Phillips Academy. I was at the Patriots game at Harvard Stadium in 1970 where Bob “Harpo” Gladieux was called out of the stands by the stadium announcer over the PA to play in the game. Analyzing the draft since ESPN first started to televise it in 1980 and former writer for the Lowell Sun Newspaper.
The missed extra point cost them a chance for overtime. But I’m willing to be that had it been tied, Maye would have taken them down the field for the winning field goal before it got to overtime.