The 4-7 Atlanta Falcons will face the 2-9 New York Jets on Sunday in their Week 13 contest. The Falcons are coming off a win against the New Orleans Saints last week, when they defeated them 24-10 and snapped a five-game losing streak. Things were looking bleak for Atlanta this season, but they at least picked up a recent win. Still, things may not be all that encouraging, as they’ll be without their star wide receiver again this week.
Falcons wide receiver Drake London sustained a knee injury in their Week 11 game against the Carolina Panthers, where he eventually left the contest and did not return, though he did record seven catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns. The Falcons ended up losing the game 30-27 in overtime, which resulted in them being swept by Carolina in division matchups this year. The diagnosis for London’s injury was a PCL strain. To make matters worse, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. tore his ACL in the same game, leaving them a bit depleted offensively.
How Will The Falcons’ Offense Be Without Drake London?
It was reported by Will McFadden of the official team site that Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said that London would be “doubtful” to play against the Jets on Sunday. That doubt turned into certainty, as London will not play again this week. This is the second straight game London has missed because of injury. A big question is how the Falcons’ offense will fare without him.
Drake London is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, as he’s recorded 60 catches for 810 yards and 6 touchdowns. London is a focal point of the offense in the passing game and can make big plays downfield and do damage across the middle. He was a premier target for Michael Penix Jr., but without him, players will need to step up.
Players like wide receivers Darnell Mooney and David Sills V will need to play big in London’s absence. Against the New Orleans Saints last week, Mooney had three catches for 74 yards and a touchdown, while Sills had two catches for 16 yards and a touchdown. Their roles will increase again this week, but they’re capable of handling the workload.
Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. has been a reliable pass catcher for Kirk Cousins, who is starting, and they’ll need to be in sync to give the team a better chance at a victory. The running game is solid with Bijan Robinson performing at his usual level. The main factor for the offense will be productivity in the passing game.
PFSN has the Falcons’ offense at a 74.9 Impact Score at this point in the season.