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FOXBOROUGH - Tom Brady yesterday recorded his 200th career touchdown pass, becoming the fourth-fastest player in NFL history to accomplish the feat. Yet touchdowns have been coming slowly for the Patriots this season.

Brady’s milestone toss came on an improvised play in the fourth quarter of the 26-10 win over the Falcons. It was Brady’s first touchdown pass since throwing two in the fourth quarter of the season-opening 25-24 win over the Bills.

The Patriots continue to struggle in the red zone, scoring just one touchdown in five trips yesterday. Brady, however, was encouraged by the improvements he saw.

“There were more positives than there were negatives than last week,’’ he said. “Last week was tough for everybody. We played a good football team that has a real good pass rush, some good skill players, a very good offense, and we played much better.’’

Three weeks into the season, the Patriots are continuing to adjust. Wes Welker was out for the second consecutive week with a knee injury. Randy Moss was listed as questionable Friday with a back injury, but he played yesterday and led all receivers with 10 catches for 116 yards.

In the previous two games, Brady threw 100 passes. But yesterday, the running game was more involved, posting season highs in carries (39) and yards (168).

Meanwhile, Brady utilized eight receivers in completing 25 of 42 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown.

The Patriots converted all three of their fourth-down attempts and 44 percent of their third downs (8 of 18). The only red zone touchdown came on Fred Taylor’s 8-yard run in the second quarter.

The lack of production in the red zone can cause frustration, but Brady said most of the game he tried to keep everyone focused in the most critical moments.

“That’s why he’s great,’’ Taylor said. “If he was the type of guy that didn’t demand that type of perfection, we’d just get another guy. But he’s Tom Brady and he hasn’t won all those championships for nothing. As a player, you get in line, you listen. I’m an older guy but I pay attention. He’s the leader, he calls the shots, you got to do what he says. That makes the offense go.’’

In the fourth quarter, that coolness helped lead to the Patriots’ second touchdown.

The Patriots came out of a timeout facing third and 6 from the Atlanta 36, holding a 19-10 lead.

Brady bounced around in the pocket scanning the field until he saw tight end Chris Baker ditch Falcons linebacker Mike Peterson and take off along the right sideline.

Brady lofted the pass to Baker, who made a basket catch and strolled into the end zone. It was Baker’s first touchdown as a Patriot.

“It was great protection,’’ Brady said. “It wasn’t how we drew that play up, and it was pretty much on the sideline. Coach [Bill] Belichick said, ‘What do you think about this?’ The guys that ran that play didn’t run it all week in practice and they made an adjustment. Chris has been really dependable for us since the day he got here, and he made a great catch and run.’’

Brady became the 27th player in history to reach 200. It took him 116 games to get there, the fourth fastest behind Dan Marino (89 games, 1989), Peyton Manning (106 games, 2004), and Brett Favre (107 games, 1998).

Protection played another important role as the Patriots have not allowed a sack in 134 pass attempts, the longest current streak in the NFL.

“When you win the game, everyone feels a lot better, although nothing is perfect. We’re going to go out and see what we can do better and hopefully improve against an excellent team next week,’’ Brady said of the Ravens, who will visit Gillette Stadium Sunday.

© Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.

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