Falcons Fall Just Short in New England, 24–23

The Atlanta Falcons returned to action in Foxborough but came up just one point shy, falling to the New England Patriots, 24–23. Despite the narrow loss, Atlanta’s defense delivered one of its most dominant performances of the season, finishing with six sacks — their second game this year hitting that mark (Week 2 at Minnesota). It’s also the first time since 2004 the Falcons have recorded six or more sacks in multiple games in a single season. Three players — Brandon Dorlus, LaCale London, and Jalon Walker — each notched two or more sacks, marking just the second time in franchise history that’s happened. The defense has now recorded a sack in each of the first eight games this season, their longest streak to start a season since 2012.

Player Highlights

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. connected with Drake London for all three of Atlanta’s touchdowns. Penix completed 22 passes for 221 yards and three scores while adding 19 rushing yards, including a career-long 15-yard run. He threw multiple first-half touchdowns for the first time in his career and finished with a career-high three passing touchdowns.

London had a monster day, recording nine receptions for 118 yards and three touchdowns — the first hat trick of his career. He became the first Falcon with three or more receiving touchdowns in a road game since Andre Rison in 1993, and just the third in franchise history to post three-plus touchdowns and eight or more receptions in a single game. London also extended his streak to 23 straight games with a catch of 10 or more yards — the longest by a Falcon since Julio Jones (2018–20).

Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. reached another career milestone, surpassing 3,000 receiving yards (3,033) with a 22-yard grab in the first quarter, joining elite company as the third tight end in Falcons history to achieve the mark.

Running back Bijan Robinson continued his consistency, rushing 12 times for 46 yards and catching a career-high eight passes for 50 yards — his 26th career game with 90 or more scrimmage yards. Robinson eclipsed 3,000 career rushing yards (3,027) in his 42nd game, becoming the second-fastest Falcon ever to reach that milestone, behind only William Andrews. He also passed 1,300 career receiving yards (1,381), making him one of the fastest players in NFL history to hit both benchmarks.

Safety Jessie Bates III recorded his first interception of the season — the 25th of his career — joining a select group of active players with 25 or more picks. Bates has now intercepted at least one pass in eight consecutive seasons (2018–25).

Rookie edge rusher Jalon Walker had a breakout performance, forcing a fumble on a strip-sack of Patriots quarterback Drake Maye that led directly to a Falcons touchdown. Walker tallied career highs in sacks (two), tackles (five), solo tackles (four), and tackles for loss (two). Fellow rookie James Pearce Jr. recovered a fumble — the first of his career — and returned it to the Patriots’ six-yard line to set up another Atlanta touchdown.

Defensive linemen LaCale London and Brandon Dorlus each turned in standout performances with two sacks apiece. London added a forced fumble and a career-high five total tackles, while Dorlus notched four tackles, including three solo stops.

Despite a tough finish, the Falcons left New England with plenty of positives — especially on the defensive front and in the growing chemistry between Michael Penix Jr. and Drake London. Atlanta will look to turn those bright spots into a win as they head to Indianapolis next Sunday, Nov. 9, to face the Colts before returning home on Nov. 16 for their Salute to Service game when they play the Carolina Panthers.