11 a.m., KCNC-4, Falcons by 3
Last meeting
Patriots won 24-10 at Atlanta on Nov. 4, 2001
Who knew
The Patriots, in the aftermath of an injury epidemic and some major losses from the coaching staff, could be hard-pressed to avoid a second straight loss. The last time they lost back-to-back games? In 2002, when they lost to the Titans and Jets in their 14th and 15th games of the season.
Spotlight on
Warrick Dunn. Nice guy, Dunn. Too nice, by his own estimate. You’ve probably heard about his Homes for the Holidays program that provides single mothers an opportunity to buy their first homes. Dunn’s charitable endeavors landed him on The Sporting News’ list of the top 100 most powerful sports personalities. They also deflected attention from his considerable abilities on the field. Dunn reached the point during the preseason where he asked reporters to stop writing about his off-field works and give him some credit for being one of the NFL’s better running backs. Or maybe you didn’t know he has run for 394 yards, third in the NFC, and averaged 5.6 yards a carry. With 7,299 career rushing yards, Dunn has a chance to one day join the rarefied ranks of 10,000- yard runners. He also has caught 50-plus passes three times in his eight NFL seasons.
Etc.
The Patriots have won 10 of their past 11 vs. NFC opponents. But then, they’ve won 10 of their past 11 against everybody, haven’t they? … Since 2003, Pats are 21-1 against teams with a winning record. … Enough already with the 2-yard gains. Pats aren’t going anywhere unless they get their running game revved up. Corey Dillon has 223 yards, 3.1 per tote, in four games. … Hmmm. Pats were in plus territory in turnovers in all three of their Super Bowl seasons. They’re minus-5 this year. Dirty Birds, for the record, are plus-4. … Falcons are 10-1 at home under second-year coach Jim Mora. … Paging Mr. Crumpler, Mr. Alge Crumpler. Falcons’ TE off to a slow start this year after breakout 2004 season. WR Brian Finneran leads Hot’lanta with 14 catches. … Tom Brady through four games: four TD passes. Brady through four games in 2004: nine TD passes. … Can it be? The Boys of Belichick 21st in the league in D. You could look it up, Sparky.
Prediction: Patriots 24, Falcons 23
