‘Down and Shut Out’ — Atlanta Falcons edition in today’s ePaper

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is sacked for a loss by Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon on third down forcing a punt during the second quarter in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is sacked for a loss by Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon (9), who reacts after the sack on third down forced a punt. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

A disappointed, frustrated, embarrassed Falcons fan covers her face with a newspaper as her team falls 25-0 to the Patriots in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Falcons outside linebacker Dante Fowler is knocked to the turf by Patriots offensive lineman Ted Karras on another unsuccessful pass rush attempt during the second half in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith reacts on the sidelines when his team fails to make a 4 down and 1 attempt against the Patriots during the third quarter in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. The Falcons also failed to make a first down on a 3rd and 1 attempt on the previous play. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Patriots wide receiver Nelson Agholor high steps into the end zone for a touchdown past Falcons defenders Brandon Copeland (center) and Duron Harmon for a 10-0 lead during the second quarter in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo reacts on the sidelines after missing a field goal attempt against the Patriots during the second quarter in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and teammates prepare to play the Patriots in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Falcons quarterbacks Matt Ryan (2) and Josh Rosen prepare to play the Patriots in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell intercepts Patriots quarterback Mac Jones during the third quarter in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy (right) intercepts Falcons backup quarterback Josh Rosen (left) and returns it for a touchdown to take a 25-0 lead during the final minutes of the 4th quarter in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy intercepts Falcons backup quarterback Josh Rosen and returns it for a touchdown to take a 25-0 lead during the final minutes of the 4th quarter in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Falcons 25-0. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Patriots defensive back J.C. Jackson intercepts a Matt Ryan pass intended for Olamide Zaccheaus during the 4th quarter in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Falcons cornerback Darren Hall is pulled along for the ride on a 9-yard reception by Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers during the first half in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan sits on the bench with a bloody elbow after getting banged up on a sack by the Patriots during the first half in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is forced out of bounds on a first down reception against the Patriots during the first half in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith runs off the field after getting shut out 25-0 to the Patriots in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan hands off to running back Qadree Ollison who is stopped at the line of scrimmage by Patriots defenders during the second half in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

Falcons running back Qadree Ollison is leveled at the line of scrimmage by Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore during the second half in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

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Credit: Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is sacked for a loss by Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon on third down forcing a punt during the second quarter in a NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”

By AJC Sports

Nov 19, 2021

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Throughout the NFL season, we’ll spotlight the Falcons’ push to rebuild under a new coach.

We’ll bring you the key moments on each game, the strategies, struggles and surprises -- and a look ahead to the next game.

You’ll find it all exclusively in the AJC ePaper.

‘Down and Shut Out’ — Atlanta Falcons edition in today’s ePaper

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