Patriots get back on track with big win in Tampa
The Patriots came into Sunday’s game at the “Big Sombrero” against Tampa Bay losing 2 of their last three games. The Buccaneers are a formidable opponent, so tensions were high in the New England area hoping the Patriots could get back on track.
The Patriots came out swinging and they rolled up a 20-7 halftime lead against a very stout Tampa Bay defense. Drew Bledsoe came up with two explosive plays in the second quarter to put the Patriots up 20-0. He hit Shawn Jefferson for a 63-yard touchdown and then connected with RB Keith Byars on a 44-yard pass to give the Patriots their commanding lead.
The Patriot defense was formidable all day long. They gave up one explosive play as QB Trent Dilfer threw a short pass to RB Warrick Dunn, who took it to the house for the Buccaneers only touchdown from 49-yards out. Otherwise, the Patriot defense stuffed the Bucs.
The Bucs were only able to rush for 65 yards, which is the staple of their offense. The Patriots were able to force three big turnovers also. They picked Dilfer off twice and then stopped a Bucs drive in Patriot territory when they forced a Mike Alstott fumble.
Bledsoe and the offense had a so-so day. The Bucs defense stiffened in second half. Bledsoe threw for 224 yards but only completed 15 of 35 passes on the day. The threw 2 touchdowns but also threw a pick. RB Curtis Martin rushed for just 57 yards on 24 carries.
Next week, the Patriots, 8-3, will take on division rival the Miami Dolphins at Foxboro. The Buccaneers will need to get their ship righted as they travel to Chicago next Sunday. The Buccaneers started 5-0, but now have lost four of the last six games and now have a 7-4 record. They sit third in their division and are clinging to a Wildcard spot in the NFC.