The Patriots came into the game searching for some consistency despite holding a 4-2 record and sitting atop the standings in the AFC East race. With the Falcons coming to town with their array of weapons, there was some fear that Sunday night wasn't the time for that to change.

Instead New England turned in its most dominant performance of the season and came away with a 23-7 victory to improve to 5-2.

Here are some random thoughts from the win over the Falcons.

-The Patriots used a ball control attack that allowed them to hold the ball for more than 34 minutes and dictate the way the game was played. Thanks to a solid effort on the ground, the Patriots were able to run the ball 36 times for an average of 4.5 yards per attempt. That production was a big part of the offensive success, especially in the second quarter when Rex Burkhead stepped into the lineup and ripped off three 9-yard runs and got things moving after a scoreless first quarter. "That was important," Tom Brady said of the running effort. "Last time we played this team it was a little different. I thought we did a good job of staying balanced tonight. It was great to see the way the linemen were blocking." Dion Lewis ripped off a 25-yard run and finished with a team-high 76 yards in 13 carries for a 5.8-yard average. Burkhead added 31 yards on six carries while Mike Gillislee also had 31 yards on eight carries. The balance on offense also included a lot of personnel as eight different players had at least three touches.

-The Patriots defense made some changes to the lineup and the results were impressive. With both corners Stephon Gilmore (concussion) and Eric Rowe (groin) out of the lineup once again, Jonathan Bademosi got the start and did a solid job in the first half covering Julio Jones on a key third down in the second quarter. Jordan Richards got the start at safety alongside Devin McCourty while Patrick Chung and Duron Harmon were on the sideline. They both saw plenty of action as well but it was interesting to see the wrinkle to open the game. Even more interesting was the presence of David Harris at linebacker to start. Harris was inactive in two of the last three weeks and did not play in the one game he was active for. Harris did not play much but he was part of a unit that held the Falcons scoreless in the first half, forcing two punts, blocking a field goal and turning the ball over on downs. Atlanta was 0-for-5 on third down in the opening half.