Patriots Lead Falcons 7-3 in 2nd Quarter

After just over 15 minutes of football, the New England Patriots lead the Atlanta Falcons 7-3.

The Patriots were led on their touchdown drive by their three headed rushing attack of Stevan Ridley, LeGarrette Blount, and Brandon Bolden. Stevan Ridley was the workhorse on the drive - he caught a screen for 24 yards and also has 5 rushing attempts for 35 yards in the game.

The drive was capped with a Tom Brady to Matthew Mulligan one yard score on third and goal.

The biggest story of the game thus far is the injury situation surrounding defensive tackle Vince Wilfork.  Wilfork went down with an apparent right ankle injury on the Falcons' opening drive, and was carted off the field and has not returned to action.  The Patriots are officially listing his return as questionable, but there is certainly some reason for worry. Joe Vellano has taken his place in the base defense.

Defensively, the Patriots have done a nice job of shadowing Julio Jones and keeping him out of the game.  Matt Ryan has done a nice job spreading the ball around however.