ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A tall task awaits the Falcons this week as they get ready for a 6-2 Patriots team that is on a five-game win streak.
The Falcons were without their starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Drake London last week in the team’s 34-10 loss to the Dolphins.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said on Wednesday that Penix and London are each feeling better this week and their status for Sunday’s game against the Patriots is dependent on how they look and feel in practice this week.
Penix and London each participated in practice on Wednesday and afterwards Penix spoke to the media and said he’s feeling good.
“I felt really good at practice today. I know I’m still on that day-to-day protocol, but after today I do feel good. I feel like I’m trending in the right direction.”
The Falcons offense hasn’t looked the same since the first half against the Bills a few weeks ago on Monday night football.
“I told the guys we’re still two weeks removed from what we had against Buffalo, so we haven’t forgot how to play. We still have good players. We have good coaches. It’s just getting back to that and maintaining that level of consistency,” offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said.
On Monday, Coach Morris said this team has to get their run game going. That’s their lifeline of everything they want to do.
The Patriots run defense is ranked second in the league and hasn’t allowed an opposing running back to rush for over 50 yards in a game this season.
“A ton of respect for Coach Vrabel. All his teams reflect him. Personally you can see that in the way these guys play. They play physical. They play hard, very talented,” offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom said.
Meanwhile Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich knows this Patriots offense well.
“A friend of mine, Todd Downing, is on staff there. He knows this offense. It’s not just that it’s innovative. It’s not just that it’s efficient. It’s been successful for a long, long time.”
Game time is slated for Sunday afternoon at one as the Falcons chase a .500 record.
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