"That's been our issue," Vrabel said, as the Patriots have allowed 15 touchdowns in 20 opponent trips inside the red zone (75%), worst in the NFL. "They made some good plays down there, but we've got to be better in the red zone."

In the end, the Patriots' misfortunes were finally projected onto the Falcons late in the game when kicker Parker Romo missed an extra point that would have tied the game. It was