Patriots Edge Falcons 24-23 After Critical Missed Extra Point

The New England Patriots edged the Atlanta Falcons 24-23 in a closely contested matchup on Sunday. This game marked another loss for the Falcons, their third in a row, while the Patriots secured their sixth consecutive victory.

Missed Extra Point Proves Costly

Parker Romo, who took over as the Falcons’ kicker after Younghoe Koo’s Week 1 miss, faced high stakes in this game. With just 4:40 remaining, wide receiver Drake London scored his third touchdown, bringing the Falcons within one point of the Patriots at 24-23. All Romo needed to do was successfully convert the extra point to tie the game, but he missed, leaving the Falcons at a crucial disadvantage.

Defensive Stand and Missed Opportunities

Despite the setback, the Falcons’ defense responded effectively. Jalon Walker batted down a critical third-down pass, forcing the Patriots to punt. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix attempted to rally the team, connecting with Bijan Robinson for a first down and later targeting London. However, Penix encountered difficulties, including a penalty for intentional grounding, which led to another punt.

Patriots’ Key Plays

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye struggled earlier in the game, with two turnovers hampering his team’s progress after a dominant 21-7 first-half lead. However, when it mattered most, Maye executed a crucial 17-yard pass to tight end Hunter Henry on third down. This play allowed the Patriots to run out the clock and secure the victory.

Looking Ahead

With this win, the Patriots solidified their position at the top of the AFC East with a record of 7-2. They will travel next week for a match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, the Falcons, now 3-5, will attempt to end their losing streak in Germany against the Indianapolis Colts. Having Drake London in the lineup will be vital, alongside finding ways to enhance Bijan Robinson’s performance in the rushing game.

Game Statistics