NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (3-0) at ATLANTA FALCONS (1-2)
(Sunday, NBC, 8:30 PM ET)
On Sunday night, the two active quarterbacks with the best starting records will meet in Atlanta (minimum 50 starts). New England’s TOM BRADY is 139-39 (.781) as the Patriots’ starter and Atlanta’s MATT RYAN has compiled a 57-24 (.704) record with the Falcons.
Both clubs advanced to the Championship Game a year ago and hope to take the next step by playing in the Super Bowl.
The Patriots improved to 3-0 after last week’s 23-3 win over Tampa Bay. Brady, who has now thrown a touchdown pass in 51 consecutive games, connected with rookie wide receiver KENBRELL THOMPKINS on two TD passes.
“I feel good, we’re 3-0,” says New England defensive tackle VINCE WILFORK. “You can’t ask for anything better.”
The Falcons look to bounce back from a last-second defeat in Miami (27-23) in Week 3. At home, Atlanta has won 12 of its past 13 regular-season contests.
“I’m looking forward to having a big week,” says Falcons rookie cornerback DESMOND TRUFANT. “I can’t wait. I know we’re all looking forward to it. We’ve got a bad taste in our mouth right now, so we’re just looking forward to getting back to grinding.”
MIAMI DOLPHINS (3-0) at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (3-0)
(Monday, ESPN, 8:40 PM ET)
Two 3-0 teams will be showcased on Monday night when the Saints host the Dolphins.
Miami defeated Atlanta in Week 3 with a come-from-behind 27-23 victory. Quarterback RYAN TANNEHILL threw a one-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end DION SIMS with 38 seconds remaining to give the Dolphins the victory.
“We are focusing on an excellent New Orleans team we have to get ready for,” says Miami head coach JOE PHILBIN. “We have to do a lot of preparation and a little extra work to get familiar with their schemes and personnel.”
Last week, Saints quarterback DREW BREES extended his streak of consecutive 300-yard passing games to eight, the second-longest in NFL history(Brees holds the record with nine). Tight end JIMMY GRAHAM had nine catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns for New Orleans, his second consecutive 100-yard game.
“It’s early but we’re pleased with the start,” says Saints head coach SEAN PAYTON. “As there is every week, there are some things we want to look at and clean up and get corrected.”
Brees has won eight consecutive starts on Monday Night Football and has a 120.6 passer rating in those contests, completing 194 of 273 passes (71.1 percent) for 2,467 yards (308.4 per game) with 24 touchdowns and five interceptions.
By Sergio Peralta
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