The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will travel to Foxboro Stadium to take on the New England Patriots this Sunday night.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers dropped to 2-1 on the season after being defeated by the Los Angeles Rams, 34-24, this past Sunday. Tampa Bay had plenty of success on the offensive end, however had trouble finding the end zone against the Rams defense and could not fight back after a 10-yard TD reception by Cooper Kupp gave the Rams a 28-14 lead with 7:23 left in the 3rd quarter. Tampa Bay outgained Los Angeles by a 446-407 margin and didn’t force a turnover in the loss. Leading the way for the Buccaneers was QB Tom Brady who completed 41 of 55 passes for 432 yards & 1 TD.
On the season, Tampa Bay is averaging 34.3 ppg on 418.7 total yards per game (362.3 passing yds/g; 56.3 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Tampa Bay has been led by QB Tom Brady who has completed 68.8% of his passes for 1087 yards, 10 TD, & 2 INT. The top receiving threats for Brady and the Buccaneers have been Chris Godwin (19 rec, 241 yards, 2 TD), Mike Evans (16 rec, 205 yards, 2 TD), Rob Gronkowski (16 rec, 184 yards, 4 TD), & Antonio Brown (6 rec, 138 yards, TD). Leading the way for the Tampa Bay backfield has been the duo of Leonard Fournette (24 att, 92 yards) & Ronald Jones II (15 att, 52 yards).
Defensively, Tampa Bay is allowing their opponents to average 29.3 ppg on 412.3 total yards per game (348.7 passing yds/g; 63.7 rushing yds/g).
The New England Patriots dropped to 1-2 on the season after being defeated by the New Orleans Saints, 28-13, this past Sunday. New England struggled on the offensive end against New Orleans throughout the game and could not fight back after a 31-yard pick-six by the Saints Malcolm Jenkins gave New Orleans a 21-3 lead early in the 3rd quarter. New England outgained New Orleans by a 300-252 margin, however, did lose the turnover battle by a 3-0 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Patriots was WR Kendrick Bourne who had 6 receptions for 96 yards & 1 TD.
On the season, New England is averaging 18.0 ppg on 337.3 total yards per game (245.7 passing yds/g; 91.7 rushing yds/g). Offensively, New England is led by RB Damien Harris who has 176 rushing yards & 1 TD on 45 carries. QB Mac Jones has completed 67.5% of his passes for 737 yards, 2 TD, & 3 INT. The top receiving threats for the Patriots have been Jakobi Meyers (19 rec, 176 yards), Kendrick Bourne (9 rec, 123 yards, TD), Nelson Agholor (10 rec, 110 yards, TD), & Hunter Henry (10 rec, 109 yards).
Defensively, New England is holding their opponents to an average of 17.0 ppg on 302.7 total yards per game (180.0 passing yds/g; 122.7 rushing yds/g).
The Buccaneers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall and 5-0 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS loss. The Patriots are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games as a home underdog, however, are just 4-9-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Tom Brady is returning to Foxboro for the first time since leaving New England and I think there is no question that he will be walking out of Foxboro as the winning QB once against as this just a total mismatch. New England is solid defensively, however, Tampa Bay just has too many weapons and motivated Brady. New England’s offense has looked lost at times this season and their biggest concern is with their offensive line that is going to have no chance slowing down the pressure that Tampa Bay is sure to bring. This line continues to go up, however, as long as it stays in single digits, I’m taking Tampa Bay. Good Luck!
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
