Falcons-Patriots: Five things to watch for

ATLANTA - The Patriots kicked off their preseason with a 27-24 win over the Saints. Did the 17 plays that Tom Brady ran slake your thirst for knowledge about this team? No they didn't. Expect to see more of Brady Thursday night and to also witness a whole different kind of defense than the one seen from the Saints. Look for these five things. Or don't. But I suggest you do.

1. Will Larry Get Carries?
Last week, Laurence Maroney got a grand total of one first-half carry. He made the most of it, scoring from five yards out, but it was interesting to see him on ice while BenJarvus Green-Ellis got all the run with the starters. Bill Belichick later explained that the idea was to get each back plenty of reps instead of divvying them up between four players. Last week was BJGE's turn. It would be logical to presume this week will be Maroney's. He ran very hard against the Saints last week when he did get his touches, but he usually does. It's his decision-making that's an issue. We'll see tonight against a fast Falcons defense if the patience he said he built in the offseason is hope or reality.

2. Dealing With Speed
There is one simple difference between the Saints defense the Patriots looked sharp against and this Falcons defense: Atlanta is verrrrry, fast. The Falcons are a good test for these Patriots because - defensively - they get after it hard and that will demand a different level of execution for the Pats in all phases. One spot in particular? The red zone. The Patriots were models of efficiency when they got in deep with the Saints, but this week during red-zone drills they had trouble getting positive plays.

3. The Dan Connolly Era
Nice job in the opener against the Saints, Danny. And the Falcons' front-seven is not as decorated as the Saints'. But still, it going to take a bunch of these games before anyone's really secure in the knowledge that the Patriots offensive line will be fine without Logan Mankins if his contract impasse continues. Connolly will deal with Corey Peters, Peria Jerry and John Abraham in most pass protections (just going off the depth chart here). When it comes to running the ball, he'll be going to the second level to get Curtis Lofton and Mike Peterson. Key on him to find if last week was a mirage or the unveiling of a competent young lineman.

4. Deep Thoughts
The Patriots' secondary has had a rough go of it down here. During Tuesday's practice, Matt Ryan and Chris Redman made it rain with deep balls (Jonathan Wilhite and Terrence Wheatley were victimized). After playing so well against New Orleans and Drew Brees, this group needs to validate that performance a little against the Saints. With Roddy White, Michael Jenkins and Tony Gonzalez potentially in the mix for the Falcons tonight, it's a great test for both the corners and the safeties.

5. Line of Fire
So Ty Warren's gone and he's not coming back. At his left defensive tackle spot, Gerard Warren has continued to be active and - seemingly - productive. Watch him tonight to see how well he plays and how strong his conditioning is because he's likely to get a lot more reps than the Patriots planned on when they signed him. While you're at it, check the work of Derrick Burgess. He's looked excellent in drills down here. Impressive for a guy who was on ice until earlier this week. It will be worth watching to see how he gets off the ball tonight against Atlanta.