Tom Brady has insisted that the New England Patriots have made progress since the start of the season.

The quarterback has been working with a group of inexperienced receivers, following a number of departures and injuries to the team's 2012 roster during the off-season.

The 36-year-old told reporters: "We made a little bit of progress and we were a bit more consistent. We still left some points on the board. We had a good week of practice and I think it showed. Hopefully this is a good week of practice and it shows.

"[Playing the Atlanta Falcons this weekend is] a good challenge for us. It's a good team and it's a really challenging environment to play in because the fans are behind them, it's loud, it's a dome, it's Sunday night.

"It will be great. Coach always says, 'If you love football, then Sunday night at 8:30 in Atlanta will be the place to be'. I totally agree. It will be fun."

The Patriots are unbeaten so far this season.