Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Everyone suspected that the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans would be one to watch. No one suspected that the Falcons would tear a hole right through the Texans, and never look back.

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Advancing their record for the season to 4-0, the Falcons’ performance focused an unforgiving spotlight on what the Texans desperately needed to improve. Ryan Mallett simply did not look like a pro quarterback, and the coaches thought so too; Brian Hoyer swiftly replaced Mallett mid-game. The rest of the Houston offense, and especially the Houston defense, looked like they were unprepared and incoherent.

The Falcons, however, got their chance to shine. There were many lessons to be learned from the Week 4 game, but here’s five takeaways that tell us Atlanta is the team to beat.