Prediction for Falcons Matchup Against Patriots

The Atlanta Falcons head up to face the New England Patriots. While the first week of the season doesn't usually contain a "must-win" mandate, the Falcons sit in a tough spot. At 3-4, the team aims to avoid slipping into a funk that may persist for the rest of the season. 

Lack of Trust

In this interview, Rich McKay, the CEO, addresses the question about fans losing faith in the organization. How can they not? Staring down the barrel of an eighth consecutive season without the postseason wears on the souls of the formerly faithful. The Falcons have not earned a scintilla of trust. Facing a tough New England team, what can they look forward to?

The Wide Receiver Issue

Outside of Drake London, the wide receiver situation is a complete mess. The team cut Ray-Ray Armstrong. Darnell Mooney continues to battle injury, and no one else on the depth chart stepped up. Not to mention, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson remains adamant about extending excuses. 

“It's a lot of things. I think, obviously, we've had guys in and out of the lineup, with [Darnell] Mooney getting back going. I anticipate Mooney kind of taking off from here. He's finally getting his legs back.”

“Obviously, we know what he can do at a high level. Had a great season last year. Just the training camp—missing that—and then kind of getting back into the flow, getting his legs back, getting the hammy back, all those things. So, I anticipate Mooney taking a big jump from this point forward, and then we're just finding that next guy."

The next guy should be on the roster. That is why it is called a depth chart. Robinson seems a bit over his head as problems mount. When the top two wideouts are gone, the solution is to shorten the routes of those taking their place? Miami entered the game with a terrible defense and resembled the 1985 Bears. 

Worse, the Patriots are one of the better defenses in the league, and they will not present the same opportunities as Miami did. Robinson needs to scheme for the players he has and not rationalize what he does not. In essence, play to the players' strengths. 

The Donut Defense

In the middle of Atlanta's defense is going to be a point of emphasis for the Patriots. Divine Deablo provided athleticism and cover ability as well as the ability to flow downhill towards the ball carrier. Out with an injury, the team scrambles to find a solution, as JD Betrand, while he tried, cannot bring the same burst to the table, and teams will continue to exploit that.

Prediction

The Atlanta Falcons face several obstacles. First, the trip up to New England to play in autumn weather does not help them. Next, quarterback Drake Maye could be the best deep thrower in the league. The Patriots have more receivers than the Falcons, who employ quality cornerbacks. Rookie Billy Bowman did not participate in Friday's practice. 

As a result, that hurts the Falcons. His hamstring injury keeps the secondary even thinner. Maye uses this to exploit Atlanta deeply. As sound a safety as Jessie Bates III is, he cannot cover the entire field alone. New England continues to trend upward while the Falcons fanbase casts a disgusted look at the sideline and the front office.