The Pats plucked the Falcons with first shutout in ATL in 265 games
The New England Patriots kicked off NFL Week 11 on Thursday Night Football with a display of brilliant defensive play by defeating the Atlanta Falcons 16-0 and putting pressure on the Buffalo Bills for the AFC East lead.
It took 265 games to see an Atlanta home game again in which they did not score points, the last time this happened was in the season on October 9, 1988, when the Los Angeles Rams beat them 33-0.
Nightmare night for Matt Ryan
It was a nightmare game for Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who was intercepted by Devin McCourty and J.C. Jackson in the second half of the game. It was Jackson's sixth interception of the year and fourth in the last five games.
Ryan completed 19 of 28 passes for 153 yards and set his lifetime mark at 0-5 against New England, which along with the Pittsburgh Steelers and obviously the Falcons, remain the three teams he has failed to beat in his career.
New England's defense has an active streak of 19 opposing offensive series without allowing opposing points and it was Bill Belichick's 13th shutout as head coach of the Pats.
There were a total of four interceptions for the Pats' defense and New England has won its first five away games this season.
Four field goals for Nick Folk
Patriots kicker Nick Folk had a brilliant four field goal game (32, 44, 33 and 53 yards).
The only offensive touchdown of the game came in the second quarter when Pats rookie quarterback Mac Jones found Nelson Agholor on a short throw that the receiver took 19 yards to the end zone.
Jones completed 22 of 26 passes for 206 yards with one touchdown to go with one interception.
The other touchdown of the game came late in the game, Ryan had already banched and instead Josh Rosen missed a pass that was intercepted by Kyle Van Noy, who returned it 35 yards to the end zone.
Van Noy was the player of the game with that interception and two sacks.
What's next?
The New England Patriots (7-4) have a five wins streak which could take them to the lead in their division if the Buffalo Bills lose this week; their next game is next Sunday, November 28, hosting the Tennessee Titans.
On the other hand, the Atlanta Falcons (4-6), who have two losses by a cumulative score of 3-68, will visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on the same day.
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