The New England Patriots have surged to a 6-2 record through eight weeks of the 2025 season, an impressive turnaround from their 4-13 campaign just a year ago. This Sunday, they’ll square off against the Atlanta Falcons, marking their first meeting since a 25-0 shutout victory back in 2021 under legendary coach Bill Belichick.
This matchup also represents a new era for both franchises: the first meeting between the Patriots under head coach Mike Vrabel and rising star quarterback Drake Maye. The 23-year-old Maye, drafted third overall in 2024, has quickly blossomed into one of the league’s most efficient young passers. In his sophomore season, Maye has thrown for 2,026 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only three interceptions, completing an impressive 75.4% of his passes.
Maye’s impressive play hasn’t only earned the admiration of his teammates, like wide receiver Stefon Diggs, but other teams around the league, including Falcons coach Raheem Morris.
“No, he’s a very good football player,” Morris told reporters when asked if he’s surprised by Maye’s solid season with the Patriots thus far (via @LosTalksPats. “He’s doing a great job. He’s being well coached by Josh McDaniels. They got it goin’ on and I like what they’re doing.”
Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich echoed Morris’ sentiments on Drake Maye’s solid season with the Patriots. “He’s way better than I wanted him to be,” Ulbrich said, via The Athletic’s Josh Kendall. “He feels a lot like Josh Allen. He’s a problem.
The Falcons, who are 3-4 this season, including a 24-14 win over Patriots’ division rivals Buffalo Bills in Week 6, are led offensively by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., running back Bijan Robinson (who rushed for 170 yards and a TD against the Bills) and wide receiver Drake London (10 receptions, 158 yards and a TD against the Bills). The Falcons have lost their last two games against the 49ers in Week 7 and the Dolphins in Week 8 and are looking to reestablish their strong running game after rushing for only 85 yards combined in their past two games.
“I think we’re a running football team that’s able to go out there run it on just about anybody when you want to run it,” Morris told Sports Illustrated ahead of the Bills game.
That strong running game will be put to the test as the Patriots in 2025 have had a rock-solid run defense, setting a record in 2025 by being the first defense since 1950 to prevent any single running back from rushing for 50 yards in the season’s first eight games.
The Falcons and Patriots face off at 1:00PM EST at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA this Sunday.
Are you as impressed with Drake Maye’s solid season with the Patriots thus far as the Atlanta Falcons coaches are heading into their Week 9 game? Let us know in the comments.
