The Patriots' star defensive tackle did not play for the entire first quarter during the team's 32-13 win over the Browns on Sunday in New England due to disciplinary reasons.

Next up, the Atlanta Falcons come to town to try and redeem an embarrassing, shut-out loss to the Patriots in 2021, and of course, the ghosts are still haunting them from the epic Super Bowl 28-3 comeback in 2017.

The Atlanta Falcons appear to be on the right track, health-wise, heading into a critical matchup with the New England Patriots in Week 9.

As the last lineman on the edge of the protection in a conventional tight end spot, opponents often try to bulldoze players in Tonga’s position. They’ll send two or three rushers at the corner of protection, hoping to cave the lineman in to block a kick.

USA Today's NFL experts make their picks for a Week 9 showdown between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have with some key injuries on both sides of the ball as they prepare for this Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. Offensively, the Falcons are especially banged up entering Week 9. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London were listed on Wednesday's injury report.

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel discussed the MVP buzz around quarterback Drake Maye, specifically the MVP chants that were echoing throughout Gillette Stadium after the team's Week 8 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Patriots rookie TreVeyon Henderson could step into the spotlight against Atlanta as Rhamondre Stevenson deals with a toe injury

The Atlanta Falcons will attempt to bounce back from last week's embarrassing loss when they face the New England Patriots on the road in Week 9. While the Falcons appear to be trending in the wrong direction, the Patriots have been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL this season.