Following the 2016 season, the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots played in one of the more ridiculous Super Bowls of the last decade. The Falcons’ blown 28-3 lead became meme-worthy as offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan let off the gas and helped Tom Brady and the Pats work their way back into the game to force overtime.
The two teams meet in prime time this evening in a Thursday Night Football matchup that promises far less intrigue and impact than that game, as well as less star power. Although one of the two starting quarterbacks in that game remains — Atlanta’s Matt Ryan — much of his supporting cast has moved on, including running back Devonta Freeman and wide receiver Julio Jones.