The ballyhooed Super Bowl LI rematch was a dud on arrival thanks to a strong effort by the New England Patriots defense in a 23-7 Pats victory.

New England rode two touchdown passes by Tom Brady to a 17-0 first half lead when a thick fog rolled into Gillette Stadium. Unfortunately for the Falcons, they remained in a fog throughout the game.

Matt Ryan became the first quarterback this season to fail to throw for at least 300 yards against the Patriots struggling pass defense.

Before a late touchdown toss to Julio Jones, the Falcons had been outscored 54-0 by New England dating back to their 28-3 lead in Super Bowl LI.

Atlanta fell to 3-3 while the Patriots appear to be slowly reclaiming their stake as the class of the AFC…and the NFL.