The New England Patriots survived a comeback by Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night for the Patriots' fourth straight win. While New England's receiving group showed improvement, the team took a hit with the potential season-ending injury to nose tackle Vince Wilfork. Atlanta, meanwhile, continued to struggle in the red zone.
Brady completed 20-of-31 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns. LeGarrette Blount rushed for 64 yards on nine carries, including a 47-yard touchdown run. New England's receiving corps looked much more in sync than in previous games. Kenbrell Thompkins hauled in six passes for 127 yards and one touchdown, while Julian Edelman made seven catches for 118 yards.
Still, New England saw its comfortable lead evaporate in the fourth quarter. Brady and the offense were unable to put points on the board or chew up clock. Ryan mounted a comeback, but the Falcons fell short in the 30-23 loss.
A large part of the credit for the win goes to New England's defense. Coach Bill Belichick had a game plan that rendered Falcons receiver Julio Jones ineffective for much of the game with man-coverage from cornerback Aqib Talib and safety help over the top. When Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez became Ryan's go-to option, the Patriots adjusted in the second half and slowed him down - including jamming him at the line with two players in the waning minutes of the game.
Talib's man-coverage on Sunday made a strong case for a big contract somewhere after the season, including a critical fourth down pass break up from Ryan to seal the game for New England.
The Patriots' biggest long-term concern is the possible loss of Wilfork. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles tendon, according to the Boston Globe. He was injured early in the game when he appeared to step on another player's foot, and he eventually left on a cart to the locker room.
Atlanta, meanwhile, fell to 1-3 with its Sunday night loss. Ryan completed 34-of-54 passes for 421 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Gonzalez was the hot hand early on, finishing the game with 12 catches for 149 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Jones, who was shut down for most of the night, came alive in the second half and finished with six receptions for 108 yards. The Falcon's running game was ineffective.
While Ryan did come close to a fourth quarter comeback, the offense struggled throughout the night, scoring just one touchdown on six trips inside the red zone.
"We're just not executing how we need to in the red zone," Falcons coach Mike Smith said, via ESPN. "We're moving the ball well between the 20s. But we're not ending with touchdowns. You've got to score touchdowns in this league. It's an offensive league."
