Week 3 Game Thread: Patriots (1-1) vs. Falcons (2-0)

This afternoon, the New England Patriots will host their first NFC opponent of the year as they face off at 1 PM against the 2-0 Atlanta Falcons.

Offensively, the Patriots will look to overcome their abysmal 9-point showing in week 2 against the Jets.  However, in the passing game, they will have to deal with Pro Bowl defensive end John Abraham, who continues to dominate week in and week out.  Veteran tackle Matt Light will have his hands full today.  One way to counter Abraham, and keep Tom Brady’s arm below 50 pitches, will be to get the run going early.  Teams have been giving Brady a lot of harrassment so far in 2009, and it has worked, because the Patriots haven’t been able to keep teams modest with the running game.  Passing-wise, the Patriots may also be without three of their top four receivers, as Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Julian Edelman are all listed as questionable.  If Welker or especially Moss are out, the Pats could be in for a lot of troubles.

Defensively, the Patriots will have their hands full today.  The Atlanta Falcons’ offense brings a dangerous two-horse offense behind the arm of second year quarterback Matt Ryan, and the legs of backup-turned-all-pro Michael Turner.  With other weapons like Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, Jerious Norwood, and Michael Jenkins, things won’t come easy for the Patriots defensively today.  The Patriots need 2nd year linebacker Gary Guyton to step up again, cover Gonzalez when necessary, and help lead the rush defense.  However, as with any good defense, the key to the Patriots’ success will be in generating a pass rush.  Keep your eye on how pass-rush-specialists Tully Banta-Cain and Derrick Burgess are used.

Overall, expect a close game marked by high scoring.  I think the Patriots’ offense will finally get on track today, and I expect the Patriots to pull this one out in a tight one.  Greg’s Prediction: Patriots 34 Falcons 27

Also, I will be attending today’s game in the press box, after attending a Verizon FiOs demo at 10 AM.  It should be a worth-wile experience, and I will be excited to see if I get to meet and chat with any big faces in the Patriots media.  And of course, tonight, I will write all about the experience.