Five Takeaways From Patriots Win Over Falcons

Even with Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined due to a toe injury, the Pats rushers factored prominently into this week’s offensive game plan, given the Falcons deficiencies in run defense. While the Falcons boasted the first-ranked pass defense in the NFL heading into this matchup, they are 24th in rush EPA, 29th in rush success rate and 21st in overall run defense. Accordingly, the Pats rushers submitted a team effort to keep the ground game respectable in Week 9.

Rookie TreVeyon Henderson led all rushers with 14 carries for 55 yards as the de facto lead back. Veteran Terrell Jennings carried the ball 11 times for 35 yards with a second-quarter touchdown — his first as a NFL running back. As previously mentioned, Maye chipped in eight carries for 20 yards. Though Stevenson’s status heading into Week 10 has yet to be determined, the Pats tandem of Henderson and Jennings were enough to earn 90 collective ground yards against Atlanta.

DeMario Douglas Has a Career Day

Douglas set a career-high in receiving yards in Week 9 with 100 on just four catches. For his touchdown, the third-year wideout ultimately took advantage of a mismatch in coverage in which Atlanta rookie linebacker Jalon Walker, who was left to pursue the Pats’ speedy weapon. Maye and Douglas connected on a 17-yard touchdown reception, giving the Pats an early 7-0 lead. Maye connected with Douglas for perhaps the play of the day — a 58-yard completion which showcased the veteran receiver’s athleticism and body control. Not only was the catch the longest of Douglas’ career, it was the longest completion of Maye’s NFL tenure. With an offense feeling the effects of two key injuries, Douglas’ efforts played a major role in their victory over Atlanta.

Kayshon Boutte Injury

Boutte exited the game late in the second-quarter after suffering a hamstring injury. Shortly after the start of the third, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Through eight games this season, the Pats’ sixth-round pick [187 overall] in the 2023 NFL Draft, has become one of quarterback Drake Maye’s most-reliable offensive weapons — as well as a weekly big-play threat. He entered Week 9 having caught 23 passes for 431 yards and five touchdowns. Before leaving this game, he had zero catches on only one target. 

While Boutte’s on-field skills and athleticism are largely the reason for his resurgence, the determination with which he approaches each game has played a significant role in his success. If the Patriots will be without his services for any period of time, it will place a great deal of pressure on fellow wideouts Douglas, Diggs and veteran Mack Hollins. The Pats clearly missed Boutte’s sure hands and savvy route recognition during the closing moments of a very tight Week 9 contest.

Pats Contain Bijan Robinson, Struggle With Drake London — With and Without Christian Gonzalez

The Patriots ultimately ended up keeping their streak of not allowing their opponents’ running backs to rush for 50 or greater yards by holding Robinson — arguably Atlanta’s most explosive weapon — to 46 yards on 12 carries. Still,, Robinson was able to eight catches for 50 yards, as a backfield reciever — making him a force of contention on each snap.

Yet, in Week 9, New England’s dose of proverbial kryptonite was provided by receiver Drake London. The Falcons’ top receiver caught nine passes for 119 yards and three touchdowns. While he found sporadic success when matched in man coverage with Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, London proved to be a nightmarish matchup for the Pats — with the USC product nearly delivering the victory to Atlanta in tandem with quarterback Michael Penix, Jr.