The Falcoholic
The Falcons travel to Foxborough on a northeastern trip to face off against the team that gave them the most infamous moment in their history. Overall, THAT game was just one out of 16 total meetings between Atlanta and New England in their NFL histories, with the Patriots leading 10-6.
This matchup has always been one sided, it’s just that each side has had their own advantage for a prolonged period of time.
Following two Patriots wins in the first matchups in the ‘70s, Atlanta owned the northeastern ball club, even throughout their putrid existence in the ‘80s and ‘90s. The Birds won six out of seven meetings between 1980-1998.
Then Tom Brady and Bill Belichick arrived, and Atlanta has literally never won again. From 2001 through the present, the Pats have won seven consecutive matchups, including a 28-3 comeback in Superbowl 51, which this franchise will have to carry around its neck like an albatross for the rest of time.
The 2021 Falcons followed an emotional victory over the New Orleans Saints to get back to .500, by getting their asses absolutely kicked in Dallas against the Cowboys, 43-3. They met the red hot New England Patriots (who had won four in a row at that point) on Thursday Night Football four days later.
The theme continued, as Atlanta once again got its ass absolutely kicked. The Falcons could get absolutely nothing going on offense all night, with the impressive Patriots defense stifling Matt Ryan and company, as New England gradually put their points on the board mostly through field goals.
Atlanta managed to pass midfield three times all evening. The first time resulted in a missed field goal. The second a turnover on downs. The third an interception. Overall, three Falcons quarterbacks all saw playing time, and all three of them threw at least one interception.
Two of those quarterbacks did not see the field until after the 2-minute warning in the fourth quarter. Josh Rosen threw a pick six on his lone drive. Following the kickoff, Feleipe Franks was inserted and he threw an interception on his lone pass attempt. This game finished as a laugher.
