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          NFL Nation

          Falcons No. 2 in dropped passes

          Oct 24, 2012
          • Pat YasinskasESPN Staff Writer
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            • Previously covered NFC South for ESPN.com
            • Covered Panthers for The Charlotte Observer from 1999-2008
            • Began journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990
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          For the first time in recent memory, an NFC South team does not lead the NFL in dropped passes.

          The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons each had some time as the league leader. But Atlanta’s bye week allowed the New England Patriots to move into the league lead. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Patriots lead the league with 18 drops. The Falcons are tied for second with 16 drops and the Saints are tied for fifth with 15 drops.

          The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are tied for 23rd with nine drops and the Carolina Panthers are tied for No. 27 with seven drops.

          Atlanta’s Julio Jones and Tampa Bay’s Doug Martin are among a group of players tied for second in the NFL with five drops, and New Orleans’ Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston are among a group of players tied for No. 10 with four drops.

          Tampa Bay’s Vincent Jackson and New Orleans’ Devery Henderson are the only NFC South receivers with significant playing time who have yet to drop a pass.