Pats pretty healthy in Atlanta
All 13 players listed as questionable active against Falcons
Riding a four-game winning streak into Thursday night’s kickoff in Atlanta, the Patriots were more than red hot.
They were healthy.
All 13 players listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report this week were active against the Falcons. Tight end Jonnu Smith returned after missing his first game of the season last Sunday against the Browns. Smith has dealt with a shoulder injury most of the year and struggled through it, catching only 21 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown through nine games.
His return allowed the Patriots to sideline secondyear tight end Devin Asiasi and practice-squad veteran Matt Lacosse. Both players were active versus Cleveland, but failed to see a target.
Rookie cornerback Shaun Wade also made his NFL debut against the Falcons. Since being acquired in August, Wade had been a healthy scratch for most kickoffs. He also suffered a concussion last month that kept him out of three games.
With Wade active, the Patriots chose to rule out Asiasi, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham running back J. J. Taylor, offensive lineman Yasir Durant and rookie linebacker Ronnie Perkins.
For the Falcons, leading rusher and second-leading receiver Cordarrelle Patterson was deactivated pregame. Patterson sprained his ankle last week in Dallas and was limited throughout a light week of practice. The former Patriot engaged in some light pregame workouts before being sidelined.
With Patterson out, the Falcons started journeyman Mike Davis. The veteran back had rushed for 289 yards and averaged 3.3 yards per carry heading into kickoff.
Brown starts again at RT
After missing two months with a calf injury, Trent Brown started his second straight game at right tackle in Atlanta.
The 6-foot- 8, 380pounder returned last weekend against Cleveland and dominated over 46 offensive snaps. The Patriots
averaged 6.4 yards per carry rushing behind the right side of their offensive line. Brown rotated a couple series with secondyear lineman Mike Onwenu, who’s played left guard and right tackle his season.
Offensive coordinator Josh Mcdaniels explained the decision to replace Onwenu in the starting lineup on Wednesday, instead of bumping him to left guard, where backup Ted Karras has now started seven straight games.
“We knew we weren’t going to play Trent wire to wire, which we didn’t, and Mike was obviously going to be in there at right tackle. He was ready to go inside, as well,” Mcdaniels said. “But (Onwenu) was going to play. We knew all
six of (the top O-linemen) were going to play. He also played some snaps at tight end for us.”
Harrison: I’ll tutor Dugger
Patriots safety Kyle Dugger has made the pro
verbial second-year leap this season, ranking second on the team in tackles and intercepting three passes.
Next year, the 25-yearold might take another jump.
If he does, Dugger can
credit one of his most famous predecessors: Rodney Harrison.
During an interview on WEEI this week, Harrison said he intends to tutor Dugger this offseason in Atlanta, where he resides. Harrison explained he wants to work with the 6foot-2, 220-pounder on a specific area of his game, though he’s happy to see a young player starting to master his position.
“Now that he’s starting to see things, things are starting to click. He’s starting to play faster. He’s starting to play with more confidence,” Harrison said. “I’m still going to (work with him) this offseason. I’m going to get him here in Atlanta. We tried (in the past), but he was getting treatment and stuff. I am still going to work with him on covering tight ends because I still think he can really elevate his game.”