ATLANTA -- A look at three Patriots players/units whose performance is up, and three players/units whose performance is down in the team's 28-10 preseason win over the Falcons:
Up
Alge Crumpler/Aaron Hernandez/Rob Gronkowski -- Tight ends are becoming a big part of the team's offense. Crumpler delivers a big block on Fred Taylor's touchdown run, and Hernandez and Gronkowski both have impressive touchdown catches.
Fred Taylor/Sammy Morris -- Both veteran running backs run with authority, as Taylor finishes with 54 yards on 11 carries and a 28-yard touchdown, while Morris has 52 yards on six carries and a 20-yard touchdown.
Wes Welker-- He is on the field for just six snaps, but his presence alone makes him the story of the night.
Down
Ted Larsen -- Sixth-round draft choice is penalized for two false starts while playing left guard in the third quarter.
Brandon McGowan/Terrence Wheatley -- Defensive backs can't wrap up Troy Bergeron on his 19-yard catch-and-run touchdown reception.
Second-unit defense -- Base unit was mostly on the field for the Falcons' 16-play, 80-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter -- Ron Brace, Kyle Love, Brandon Deaderick, Rob Ninkovich, Pierre Woods, Tyrone McKenzie, Eric Alexander, Jonathan Wilhite, Terrence Wheatley, Sergio Brown and Brandon McGowan.