The New England Patriots are coming off their most impressive performance of the season, so if there was ever a time to be slated with a quick turnaround on Thursday night, it’s probably right now, even if some players are banged up.
Even better for the Patriots? They’ll play an Atlanta Falcons team that is fresh off getting spanked by 40 points against Dallas. Sure, that game was on the road, but momentum is undoubtedly on New England’s side.
On top of that, the Falcons could be down a couple of playmakers. Calvin Ridley has stepped away from the game to focus on his mental health, and Cordarrelle Patterson, who’s been effective as both a running back and a receiver this year, is a game-time decision with an ankle injury.
That leaves Kyle Pitts as Atlanta’s lone remaining difference-maker.
Even without Ridley and potentially Patterson, Pitts is more than capable of dominating a game, so we’re interested to see what Bill Belichick cooks up to limit the No. 4 overall pick’s impact.
Belichick will likely throw a plethora of different looks at Pitts, but Adrian Phillips will be essential to phasing him out of the game.
Bill Belichick: Everything about Kyle Pitts is a problem for defenses. https://t.co/3ABJaAqG5v
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 15, 2021
Patriots safety Adrian Phillips will be key to limiting Kyle Pitts on Thursday night.
The Patriots deploy a lot of zone schemes, so there might not be one defender solely responsible for guarding Pitts. However, given his track record in regard to guarding tight ends, Phillips will likely see the most snaps against the rookie.
At 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds, Pitts is a nightmare matchup for opposing cornerbacks, which explains why the Falcons have lined him up out wide as much as they have. JC Jackson is as tough (and talented) as they come at the CB position, but he’s struggled against physically-imposing pass catchers in the past.
Why would Belichick take his chances with that matchup?
Enter Phillips, who’s probably second or third behind Matt Judon and Jackson in terms of New England’s defensive MVP this year.
Despite being undersized at 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, Phillips dominated Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith during training camp. Combined, the two tight ends have nearly 100 pounds on the eight-year pro.
Phillips never backs down from a challenge, so you can imagine he’s chomping at the bit to line up against Pitts. The 29-year-old is currently third on the team in tackles (47), tied for second in interceptions (two), third in pass breakups (four), and tied for the lead with one forced fumble.
Adrian Phillips on Falcons TE Kyle Pitts: “Legit. He’s a gifted, physical specimen. His catch radius is crazy.” pic.twitter.com/oS4kuZ3yu4
— Karen Guregian (@kguregian) November 15, 2021
To put more perspective on Phillips’ dominant campaign, he’s allowing just a 56.3 passer rating, per Pro Football Focus. Furthermore, his 80.0 coverage grade for the season ranks seventh (!) among all safeties.
Simply put, Phillips is a playmaker and New England will need him to be at his best on Thursday to limit Pitts’ ability to break off big plays.
If Phillips rises to the occasion, the Pats will coast to their fifth straight win.
Patriots Game Thursday: Patriots vs Falcons odds and prediction for NFL Week 11 game
The New England Patriots will go to battle against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football. Here's everything you need to know to bet the game.