The Patriots came into the game searching for some consistency despite holding a 4-2 record and sitting atop the standings in the AFC East race. With the Falcons coming to town with their array of weapons, there was some fear that Sunday night wasn't the time for that to change.
Instead New England turned in its most dominant performance of the season and came away with a 23-7 victory to improve to 5-2.
Here are some random thoughts from the win over the Falcons.
-The Patriots used a ball control attack that allowed them to hold the ball for more than 34 minutes and dictate the way the game was played. Thanks to a solid effort on the ground, the Patriots were able to run the ball 36 times for an average of 4.5 yards per attempt. That production was a big part of the offensive success, especially in the second quarter when Rex Burkhead stepped into the lineup and ripped off three 9-yard runs and got things moving after a scoreless first quarter. "That was important," Tom Brady said of the running effort. "Last time we played this team it was a little different. I thought we did a good job of staying balanced tonight. It was great to see the way the linemen were blocking." Dion Lewis ripped off a 25-yard run and finished with a team-high 76 yards in 13 carries for a 5.8-yard average. Burkhead added 31 yards on six carries while Mike Gillislee also had 31 yards on eight carries. The balance on offense also included a lot of personnel as eight different players had at least three touches.
-The Patriots defense made some changes to the lineup and the results were impressive. With both corners Stephon Gilmore (concussion) and Eric Rowe (groin) out of the lineup once again, Jonathan Bademosi got the start and did a solid job in the first half covering Julio Jones on a key third down in the second quarter. Jordan Richards got the start at safety alongside Devin McCourty while Patrick Chung and Duron Harmon were on the sideline. They both saw plenty of action as well but it was interesting to see the wrinkle to open the game. Even more interesting was the presence of David Harris at linebacker to start. Harris was inactive in two of the last three weeks and did not play in the one game he was active for. Harris did not play much but he was part of a unit that held the Falcons scoreless in the first half, forcing two punts, blocking a field goal and turning the ball over on downs. Atlanta was 0-for-5 on third down in the opening half.
-Much was made about the Falcons emotional state coming off a disastrous loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl LI. Some believed (myself included) Atlanta was scarred from the historical collapse and nothing that happened in the first 30 minutes did anything to change that perception. Head coach Dan Quinn brought a curious game plan to Foxborough and it was one that put his team in a hole. Instead of testing the Patriots secondary, which had allowed each of the six quarterbacks they faced this season to throw for more than 300 yards, the Falcons opted to try to establish the run and subsequently put themselves in several third downs early. They couldn't convert them as the Patriots front seven was up to the challenge. Quinn also went for a fourth-and-seven from the Patriots 48 in a scoreless first quarter, and even though they converted with a Matt Ryan scramble the decision reeked of panic. That drive ended when Cassius Marsh blocked Matt Bryant's field goal.
The New England Patriots take on the Atlanta Falcons in a regular season game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 22, 2017.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on as he makes his way to the field prior to a week 7 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady gets pumped up as he runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady gets pumped up as he runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady gets pumped up as he runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady greets members of the U.S. military along the sideline before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady greets members of the U.S. military along the sideline before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo, left, and Tom Brady speak while warming up before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, center, and teammates stand during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, passes under pressure from Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Dontari Poe (92) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal, rear, tackles New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, passes under pressure from Atlanta Falcons linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) and safety Keanu Neal (22) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan calls signals at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones (45) tackles New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons linebacker Duke Riley (42) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. The play was nullified on an offensive pass interference penalty by Gronkowski. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons linebacker Duke Riley (42) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. The play was nullified on an offensive pass interference penalty by Gronkowski. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal (22) tackles New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant (3) attempts a field goal, which was blocked, during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots players scramble for the ball after the Patriots blocked a field goal attempt during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, celebrates his touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, celebrates his touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks, left, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks runs for the goal and a touchdown after catching a pass from Tom Brady during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks, center, follows Rob Gronkowski (87) toward the goal line and a touchdown after catching a pass from Tom Brady during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks, center, follows Rob Gronkowski (87) toward the goal line and a touchdown after catching a pass from Tom Brady during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks dives across the goal line for a touchdown after catching a pass from Tom Brady during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks, left, celebrates his touchdown catch of a pass from Tom Brady during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes under pressure from New England Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise, left, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive tackle Adam Butler celebrates after sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive tackle Adam Butler, right, sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady signals to a receiver as he rolls out to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady passes under pressure from Atlanta Falcons linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots defenders stop Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady gets a lift from center David Andrews to celebrate his touchdown pass to James White during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski, right, watches his field goal against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Fog hovers over the field during the first half of an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass as Atlanta Falcons linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass as Atlanta Falcons linebacker De'Vondre Campbell defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Fog settles over the field as side judge Adrian Hill works along the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung, left, and cornerback Johnson Bademosi (29) defend as Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones goes up for a pass during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) celebrates in the end zone with teammates after breaking up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead runs as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford, rear, defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead, front, runs from Atlanta Falcons defenders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia talks to players as they warm up before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones, left, makes a touchdown catch over New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) runs in the fog as Atlanta Falcons defensive back Blidi Wreh-Wilson (33) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
(Editors note: Image has been converted to Black and White) A general view of play is seen during a week 7 NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 23-7. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, left, and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, speak at midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, left, and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, speak at midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, left, and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, speak at midfield after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, center, leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady talks to teammates on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates during a week 7 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 23-7. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady checks his phone as he waits to speak to the media following an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Falcons, 23-7. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws from the pocket during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Falcons, 23-7. (Ryan Kang via AP)
-Quinn's curious night continued later in the first half when he opted to go for another fourth down, this one from the Patriots 47-yard line at the two-minute warning. Atlanta trailed just 10-0 at the time and would be opening the second half with the ball after deferring to start the game, but Quinn went for it on fourth-and-six anyway and Ryan overthrew an open Mohamed Sanu to turn it over on downs. That set up a short field for the Patriots, who capitalized by putting the game away courtesy of Tom Brady's touchdown pass to James White with 26 seconds left. A Falcons punt would have set up a long field and given Atlanta a chance to get to the locker room down just 10-0. Instead, the gamble didn't pay off and soon the game was over for all intents and purposes.
-Adrian Clayborn delivered a huge hit on Brady in the second quarter and was flagged for roughing the passer. Clayborn's hit wasn't late but it was a bit high, and referee Gene Steratore threw the glad immediately. It was a huge turning point as it negated a Robert Alford interception in the end zone in a scoreless game and soon thereafter the Patriots were on top courtesy of Brandin Cooks' 14-yard touchdown off a quick shuffle pass.
-Speaking of Cooks' touchdown, it came off a wrinkle the Patriots haven't shown much if at all recently. Brady was in the shotgun and Cooks came streaking from right to left at the snap. It appeared as if there might be a jet sweep-type action but instead Brady just shuffled the ball slightly forward to Cooks, who rode the blocking of Rob Gronkowski into the end zone. Cooks grabbed Gronk's jersey as he motored toward the end zone and used the tight end as a shield as he hit paydirt. Gronk joked after the game that Cooks caught him quickly and yelled, "go Rob, go" as they approached the end zone.
-Despite the dominance the Patriots showed there were a couple of key junctures where the Falcons had chances to make a game of it. Early on De'Vondre Campbell had a blindside strip sack of Brady at 20 but were unable to recover because Brady landed with the ball safely underneath him. The Falcons also missed a pair of short field goals, one of which was blocked by Marsh. In the second half the Falcons marched the length of the field trailing 20-0 and had third-and-goal from the 1. But with two cracks and just a yard to go to break the shutout, Atlanta couldn't make a play. Ryan's pass to Jones was knocked away by Malcolm Butler, and on fourth down they tried an ill-fated jet sweep to Taylor Gabriel that Kyle Van Noy read perfectly and turned into a 5-yard loss.
-Going back to Super Bowl LI, and counting the fact that the Patriots jumped to a 23-0 lead, New England rattled off 54 consecutive points against Atlanta before Jones' garbage time touchdown broke the shutout…. Adam Butler recorded is first-career sack, taking down Ryan for a 10-yard loss. … White's touchdown catch was his 10th since 2015, the most for NFL running backs during that time.
