Last week’s 27-23 road loss to Miami moved Atlanta to 1-2 for the first time since 2011. The Falcons produced five sacks and ran for a season-high 146 yards despite a sidelined Steven Jackson and a long list of injured starters. A muffed punt, missed field goal and lack of defensive pressure on Miami’s 75-yard 13-play game-winning drive produced the losing effort. Jacquizz Rodgers ran for a career-high 86 yards on his 18 carries (4.8 yards per carry) and Jason Snelling rushed for 53-yards on 11 carries and added 58 yards on four receptions, including a seven-yard touchdown catch. The Falcons have not lost back-to-back games since 2009 and are 20-3 all time under head coach Mike Smith in games following a loss.
SUNDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN …
Week 4 brings the 3-0 New England Patriots to the Georgia Dome on Sunday night. The Patriots topped Tampa Bay 23-3 in week 3, and quarterback Tom Brady threw a touchdown pass for a 51st consecutive game. Drew Brees’ record 54-straight games with a touchdown pass was ended in Atlanta’s 23-13 win over Brees and the Saints last season.
In road games, Brady has a career 62-27 record and the three-time Super Bowl champion is 3-0 all time against the Falcons, completing 68 of 100 passes for 877 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception with a 114.5 quarterback rating.
At 63-20 since 2008, New England has the most regular season wins in the NFL with the Falcons coming in close behind at 57-27. The Patriots have won 10 of 12 NFC East Division titles, including four-straight heading into this season.
Atlanta has given up 296 passing yards per game this season which ranks 25th in the League. Veteran Falcons cornerback and starter Asante Samuel spent five seasons playing for the Patriots (2003-2007) and won a pair of Super Bowls.
JULIO THE GREAT …
Julio Jones is leading the league with 373 receiving yards heading into week 4. Matt Ryan has completed 27 of 36 (75%) passes intended for the third year pro this season and while Roddy White has been limited with his sprained ankle, Jones has been stretching the field and is on pace for a career season. His 81-yard touchdown in week 2 made NFL history as Jones became the first receiver to post an 80-plus yard touchdown in three-consecutive seasons.
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