"The Patriots might still be planning to go with a running back by committee, but Fred Taylor has established himself as the chairman of that committee following his 21-carry, 105-yard performance Sunday in a 26-10 win over the Falcons.

Taylor's 21 carries were four more than he had in the first two games of the season combined. The 33-year-old joked yesterday that the Advil and Tylenol had worn off, but he said it's fun to get into a groove on the ground like he did Sunday.

"Yeah, honestly,'' Taylor said. "I think more importantly the win is always the best part of it, but as a running back you definitely want the carries, you want the touches, and I guess bottom line you want to be able to help the team win.''"