The Falcoholic
The Atlanta Falcons passing game has been hit-or-miss this year, but last week down both Michael Penix Jr. and Drake London, it was even more anemic. The good news for the Falcons is that they’ll have both back for a tough road matchup against the New England Patriots.
Penix was hoping to start last week but wasn’t able to go, while London was a late addition to the injury report and missed the game. The duo being healthy enough to play and having Darnell Mooney with no designation bodes well against New England, which has one of the league’s stingiest rushing attacks but a less fearsome (though still quality) secondary.
For Penix, this is an opportunity to get back on track a little bit. The second-year quarterback has thrown four touchdowns against one interception his last three games, but despite an unassuming stat line against San Francisco, he looked shaky under pressure throughout as the line struggled. The Falcons would love to get him connecting on more deep shots, attacking the middle of the field, and playing with poise again, and they’ll need him to be good to stand a chance against the Patriots.
London is in a similar boat. After reeling off two straight 100 yard performances against the Commanders and Bills, he was quiet against San Francisco, putting up 42 yards on five catches despite being targeted 10 times. London is capable of bullying defensive backs and has solid past success against Carlton Davis, the man likely to draw coverage responsibilities against him on Sunday.
We won’t have to wait long to find out whether this duo can revive their connection and surprise the Patriots en route to a win, as we’re less than 48 hours away from kickoff.
