Patriots beat Falcons

Atlanta:

The New England Patriots may have suffered serious injuries so far this season, but they are still the returning champions of the National Football League. Tom Brady threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns before Adam Vinatieri kicked a 29-yard field goal with 17 seconds left to lead injury-plagued New England past the Falcons 31-28. Matt Schaub, a second-year player from Virginia, did just fine in the most important start of his young career. Filling in for the injured Michael Vick, he completed 18-of-34 for 298 yards and didn't concede any turnovers. In typical New England fashion, with time running down Tom Brady led the Patriots downfield into field goal range. Adam Vinatieri came in and smoothly kicked a 29-yard field goal for the 31-28 lead. The Falcons got the ball back but Vick could only watch as time ran out and the kick stood at the difference. It was the 19th game-winning kick of Vinatieri's career -- including two Super Bowls. (AP)