If you didn't have heart palpitations during that fourth quarter, check your pulse. The Patriots survived a ferocious comeback attempt from the Atlanta Falcons, hanging on for a 24-23 victory at Gillette Stadium that took about five years off every fan's life. It wasn't pretty down the stretch, but a win is a win — and this one makes it six in a row.
The defense saved this game. Period. Two fourth-down stops in the final eight minutes — including one at the Patriots' own 31-yard line with under two minutes remaining — kept Atlanta from completing what would have been a devastating comeback. The Falcons were driving with all the momentum in the world, and the Patriots' defense looked them in the eye and said no. That kind of clutch, bend-don't-break mentality is what separates good teams from great ones.
The offense did enough to build a 24-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter, with Maye throwing for 247 yards and managing the game well for most of the afternoon. But a turnover in their own territory gave Atlanta a short field and life, and suddenly a comfortable lead became a one-point nail-biter. It's a reminder that this team still has room to grow when it comes to putting games away.
But here's the bottom line: 7-2. Seven wins and two losses through nine weeks. A six-game winning streak. A defense that makes plays when it matters most. And a team that finds ways to win whether it's a blowout or a one-point thriller.
This is a playoff team, Pats Nation. And November is just getting started.