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Two of the NFL’s best quarterbacks will try to get their offenses in form this morning with the New England Patriots visiting the Atlanta Falcons. Join us for live scores and commentary from 10.30am AEST.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan have the best starting records among all starting quarterbacks in the NFL, yet neither would be happy with their team’s offensive performance this year.
Ryan, 34-5 at home during his career, has a quarterback rating of 100.4 through three games but his performance has only translated into one victory, and the Falcons are two games behind NFC South leaders New Orleans.
Brady, who lost a large percentage of his 2012 receiving corps during the offseason, has struggled early in the season with an uncharacteristic 79.4 rating. Proof of Brady’s slight disfunction this season was displayed last week as the future Hall of Famer threw a horrible interception in the red zone against the Buccaneers.
The Patriots are coming into this game undefeated courtesy of an improved defensive performance – cornerback Aqib Talib leads the NFL in picks with three, and defensive end Chandler Jones has had back-to-back games with a sack – both players featuring last week in New England’s 23-3 win over Tampa Bay.
The Falcons lost a close one last week 27-23 to the Miami Dolphins at home. Atlanta outgained Miami in both rushing and passing yards, first downs, and had fewer sacks allowed, but couldn’t hold an early lead as the Dolphins scored inside the final minute to snatch the game.
Both sides come into the game with injury concerns – the Falcons have lost linebacker Sean Weatherspoon for the season, and Steven Jackson has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Julio Jones and Roddy White are questionable to play.
The Patriots likewise are banged up – tight end Rob Gronkowski has not played all season due to arm and back injuries, and wide receiver Danny Amendola and right tackle Sebastian Vollmer have also missed time. All three are questionable for the game.
New England’s game plan will likely involve weathering Atlanta’s early offensive storm, and getting the upper hand in time of possession. Atlanta should focus on stopping the run and putting the pressure on the rookie Pats receivers to make a play.
The Patriots have won 13 of the last 15 road games against NFC opponents, while Atlanta have won 10 of their last 12 against AFC opponents – this should make for spectacular viewing. Join us on the Roar for live commentary from 10.30am AEST.
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