With emotions running high as the game began, the play started slow.The Buccaneers first drive resulted in a field-goal, but afterwards their offense struggled to find a rhythm and a surely emotional Tom Brady was missing throws he usually does not. The Patriots first three drives resulted in two punts and an interception.
A drive in the second quarter following a Buccaneer’s missed field goal lasted seven minutes and gave the Patriots their only score of the half. At this point, the defense had been playing well and the offense needed to capitalize while their opposition continued to struggle offensively. With no help from the running game, Mac Jones was 8/9 throwing the ball including an 11 yard touchdown to Hunter Henry, an encouraging score leaving them up 7-3.
The Patriots defense was successful in limiting the Buccaneers to field goals for the entirety of the first half. Some chunk pass plays up the middle to Mike Evans and solid runs by Leonard Fournette hurt the Patriots early in drives, but a mixture of solid defensive play and bad offensive play by the Buccaneers limited their point total. The Buccaneers were able to take advantage of some defensive lapses to end the first half with a field goal, trailing the Patriots 7-6.
After a three and out to start the second half by the Buccaneers deep in their own territory, the Patriots took over with solid field position. Three plays into the drive JJ Taylor lost a fumble after a complete pass from Jones, setting up the Buccaneers at their own 40 yard-line. A stance from the defense resulted in another three and out.
Although the Patriots defense did their job and limited a loaded Buccaneers roster on the scoreboard, their run defense struggled in spots during this game allowing 119 yards on the ground in total. With four minutes to go in the third quarter the Buccaneers capped a drive with a nine-yard touchdown run by Ronald Jones to take the lead 13-7. Looking back at this game the Patriots defense has a lot to be happy about, but can improve on stopping the run more consistently.
A 77 yard drive by the Patriots offense to take the lead 14-13 featured six straight passes completed by Jones and lasted four minutes until the opening seconds of the fourth quarter. Capped by a one-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jonnu Smith, the Patriots were clearly committed to producing offense solely through the passing game. Another TD reception by a Patriots tight end is an upward trend they were looking for following a sub-par performance at the position in week three.
In another huge spot to open the final quarter, the defense forced a field-goal with eight minutes left to keep the game within reach at 16-14. Needing just a field goal the Patriots looked to their rookie quarterback to lead a crucial drive in a massive spot at this point in his career. At one point during the drive Jones had completed 20 consecutive passes, but the drive ended after getting the ball within ten yards of the goal line.
With negative one rushing yards on only eight carries, a heavy reliance upon Jones shoulders to do everything himself lasted all game and was evident on this drive. A field goal by Nick Folk made the score 17-16, but left Brady with four and a half minutes to get a go-ahead field goal.
Needing a stop, the defense allowed the Buccaneers to charge down the field mostly due to a long pass interference penalty on Kyle Van Noy downfield in coverage. However, on theme for the game, the Patriots were strong in the red zone once again and forced a field goal with 2 minutes remaining in the game.
Jones took the ball with 1:57 on the clock, attempting to bring the Patriots in range for a game winning field goal. A 20-yard pass interference call on the Buccaneers to start the drive gave hope that was lessened with a incomplete pass to end it on a third and three on the Buccaneers 37-yard line.
With the rain coming down as it did the whole night, the Patriots still elected to attempt a 57-yard field goal with a minute left. Kicker Nick Folk was on a 37 consecutive make streak, but barely missed tonight’s game winner off the left post.
Although the loss dropped the team to 1-3, the Patriots were able to control a lethal Buccaneers offense and give their offense a chance to compete for the win. The offense struggled in spots and could not run the ball in any capacity, but Jones was steady and showed poise in maybe one of the biggest NFL regular season games in league history.
A stormy, close game in Foxboro once again ends in Tom Brady’s favor, this time for the other team.
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