Starting with the ball and a 21-7 lead, New England’s offense looks to recapture some of that 59-0 magic displayed in the snow against Tennessee.

3RD QUARTER:

It’s almost as if he heard the criticisms. Tight end Ben Watson streaks down field for a 35-yard touchdown reception. With tight coverage on Randy Moss throughout the game, Tom Brady needs another target other than Wes Welker. Watson provides that intermediate-to-long-range option. Patriots 28 Bucs 7

A surprising player against the run is recently extended Tully Banta-Cain. His career has been built on the pass rush, but his run blitzes up the gut this game have been essential in putting the Bucs into 2nd & long positions.

It would appear these Patriots receivers are struggling to get open, as Brady has been forced to by time with his feet, and even scramble in an effort to pick up first downs.  Tampa Bay, unlike Tennessee a week prior, is still showing fight in the third quarter.

Still a concern for New England’s defense is the poor tackling at the second level.  If a receiver gains separation from coverage, linebackers and safeties tend to overpursue, allowing a series of cutback moves by the ball carrier to take maximum effect.

A rookie making his presence known each week, defensive lineman Myron Pryor continues to find ways to get to the quarterback.  It doesn’t always lead to sacks, but twice he has brought Josh Johnson to the ground when in his throwing motion.

4TH QUARTER:

Performing much better than Joey Galloway did, third receiver Sam Aiken shows he can be explosive after the catch on short dump off passes and screen plays.  It adds to his value as special teams captain.

It’s never a positive sign, to see a stud defensive end like Ty Warren carted off to the locker room.  Mike Wright can easily line up at the end position, but it limits the defense’s flexibility to shift between the base 3-4 and base 4-3.  This will be something to monitor, if this potential injury lasts through the upcoming Bye Week.

No harm in building one’s confidence heading into the Bye Week, as Laurence Maroney gets the call inside the 10, scoring his first touchdown in Merry Ol’ England.  Patriots 35 Bucs 7

An up and down day for Brady leads to some PT for Brian Hoyer.  One wonders how important it was for Brady to put on a show similar to that of last week’s 59-0 drubbing.  He has been compared to David Beckham on a global level.  Not that he had a terrible day, but it was anything but a dominant performance.

Statistics of Importance:

• Tom Brady: 23-of-32 passing, 308 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
• Laurence Maroney: 13 rushes, 43 yards, 1 TD
• Wes Welker: 10 receptions, 107 yards, 1 TD
• Patriots Defense: 3 sacks; Pat Chung (1), Derrick Burgess (1), Mike Wright (1)
• Patriots Defense: 3 INT; Brandon Meriweather (2), Darius Butler (1)