New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots are ready for their upcoming contest against the Atlanta Falcons, as they will be looking to earn their sixth-straight win. Ahead of this game, though, veteran tight end Austin Hooper was given a unique gift from Patriots’ legend Randy Moss.
Hooper isn’t exactly the guy opposing defenses are most concerned about in New England’s passing attack, but he’s emerged as a key secondary playmaker for Drake Maye. Hooper has suited up for all eight of the team’s games, catching 12 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown.
The lone score for Hooper came in Week 7 against the Tennessee Titans, and it was quite a catch. On 3rd & goal midway through the second quarter, Maye lofted a ball up for Hooper in the back of the end zone. Hooper ended up making an acrobatic grab over cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, while also keeping both of his feet inbounds.
The catch has been one of the best of the 2025 campaign, and it caught the attention of Moss, who made a habit of “Mossing” opposing defensive backs throughout his career by making difficult grabs over them. After seeing Hooper’s spectacular catch, Moss sent him a pair of “You Got Mossed” gloves, which he received earlier this week.
Hooper has made the most of the targets he’s gotten this season, as he’s caught 12 of the 13 passes he’s had thrown his way. While Hunter Henry remains the team’s top tight end, Hooper clearly has earned Maye’s trust early in the new season.
The Patriots have taken down a pair of Hooper’s former teams in the Titans and Cleveland Browns over the past two weeks, and they will look to continue that streak in Week 9 against the Falcons, who drafted Hooper all the way back in 2016. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, with New England looking to push its record to 7-2.
