The New England Patriots have certainly struggled in the early part of the 2013 season, but they were able to pull out and win their game yesterday against the Atlanta Falcons. While the team is 4-0 after the win, they have had some real scares early this season, against the Jets and Bills especially. The streak continued and even though the Patriots held a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter, they let the Falcons come back, and had to hang out to their lead, only managing to win 30-23.

The Patriots are aging and struggling, but this win is a statement for the team and shows that they can still beat a strong team while playing on the road. Tom Brady was also able to keep his touchdown pass streak alive and has now completed at least one touchdown pass in his past 52 games, states CBS Boston. This puts him second in NFL history, but the main action of the day went to the running game. The team racked up 132 yards rushing, and surprisingly got their first rushing touchdown of the season in week 4.

It came down to the wire, but the #Patriots pull it out, 30-23, in Atlanta! #NEvsATL

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 30, 2013

With an undefeated record, the Patriots will look to continue their streak, but hopefully in a much cleaner and commanding way in weeks to come. Atlanta is a great team led by quarterback Matt Ryan who led them to the playoffs last year, but is struggling in the current season. After the loss to the Patriots, the Falcons are only 1-3, which puts them at third place in the division, ahead of only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have struggled greatly in recent years. Coach Bill Belichick is obviously frustrated with the way that his team has been ending their games this season and after the game he remarked, “We’ve got to do a better job of finishing out the game.”

Great game in Atlanta. Impressive win for the Patriots. Team is going to be even tougher in December-January.

— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) September 30, 2013

The #Patriots improve to 4-0 for the 3rd time under Bill Belichick & the 1st time since 2007.

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 30, 2013

The Falcons put up quite a comeback in this game, but it was not enough to beat the Patriots. Brady was unable to find the right rhythm with his receivers until this week, where he threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns, his best performance of the season, according to Sports Illustrated. Part of the problem with the Patriots has been with the loss of their tight end Rob Gronkowski and receiver Danny Amendola, both who have been injured since the beginning of the season. Next week, the Patriots will face off against the Cinncinati Bengals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r26aA9c5kg

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