The Falcoholic
I mean…they were close.
And I know that doesn’t make it any easier. “Close” doesn’t count for much in the standings, but it does tell a story. Because for all the frustration, the Falcons went toe-to-toe with a very good New England Patriots team and, for stretches, looked every bit their equal.
Michael Penix Jr. and Drake London each delivered their first three-touchdown performances, putting on a show that reminded everyone what this offense can be when it’s clicking. The defense? Pure chaos. Flying around, creating pressure, and keeping Atlanta within striking distance until the end.
It didn’t end the way anyone hoped, but if you’re searching for a reason to believe, or at least something to get the blood pumping again, this highlight reel has plenty of it.
Explosive plays. Relentless energy. Glimpses of what’s possible.
Because sometimes, even in a loss, you can see the foundation of something real.
With the 22-yard catch-and-run to put the Falcons in New England territory for the first time, tight end Kyle Pitts made a little history.
Pitts joins Tony Gonzalez, Alge Crumpler, and Jim Mitchell as the only tight ends in Falcons history to reach the 3,000-yard mark for the Falcons. Kyle Pitts has been one of the true bright spots of a mostly disjointed effort from the Atlanta offense.
Pitts comes into this week third among tight ends in receptions, eighth in receiving yards, and is fourth in catch % of any tight end with at least 20 targets (83%).
WE HAVE A TOUCHDOWN! The Falcons’ offense showed off its ability through the air as Drake London high-points the ball over cornerback Marcus Jones for the touchdown!
The Atlanta Falcons were reeling after the New England Patriots reeled off 14 unanswered points, and were looking for more as the 1st half wound down. Instead, the duo of first-round edge rushers made the play of the day, so far, for the Falcons as Jalon Walker looped around and popped the ball free from quarterback Drake Maye’s grasp. James Pearce, Jr. found the football and ran it back to the Patriots’ six-yard line before being brought down by fellow rookie left tackle Will Campbell.
Now, it’s looking like we have a ball game! The Patriots get the ball after the half, but the Falcons have taken the momentum into the locker room.
This is Drake Maye’s fifth fumble of the season, tying him for third-most with Matthew Stafford and Cam Ward. Atlanta has also gotten some good pressure on Maye, with three sacks in the first half.
Another red zone drive, another Drake London touchdown over Marcus Jones. Michael Penix, Jr. found his favorite target for a second touchdown from inside the five over the same cornerback, this time from two yards out.
Drake London continues to use that big...
