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Five Things to Watch This Week - Week 3

By Patty O'Tool

The Patriots play their third regular season game at home against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 27th at 1:00 PM.

So far, my predictions have not been so hot. But like some unholy combination of Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith, I'm just gonna keep talkin', ONLY LOUDER. If my predictions have been off, that's YOUR FAULT.


1) Defense - The defense has been surprisingly decent so far. Who would have guessed? Their biggest challenge to date comes this week.

2) Penalties - I think there were 4 "Delay of Game" penalties last week. Wha? Huh? I don't think I've ever seen that with Brady at the helm. I'm guessing they spent some time on that in practice this week.

3) The Game Plan - Where was the screen game last week? I would have called twelve straight screens to Kevin Faulk, but that's just me. Not a big fan of the play calling so far this year. Hopefully, they'll get back to the ground game this week. The Atlanta run defense is pillowy soft.

4) Wes Welker - They need him back on the field. If I were him, I would have gone and asked for more money after last week.

5) Joey Galloway - I think this might be the week Brady completely chews him out on the sideline. Awesome. We couldn't have kept Greg Lewis instead?


Last week hurt. Nobody wants to lose. But to lose to the Jets?! That's just sad.

But I've moved on. I keep reminding myself that it's a long season. This team is too good not to play better.


My prediction: Pats 24, Falcons 21

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