The Patriots have put together impressive performances all year, and they did so again on Sunday, defeating the Buccaneers 28-23. New England seized control of the game with a key sequence that spanned the end of the first half and the start of the second.
Trailing 10-7 after Chase McLaughlin’s 36-yard field goal, the Patriots ran out the clock on their next drive as time expired in the second quarter, with Drake Maye connecting with Stefon Diggs for a 1-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal. Then, on the second play from scrimmage in the third quarter, TreVeyon Henderson broke free for a 55-yard touchdown run, extending the Patriots’ lead to 21-10.
The Buccaneers fought back, trimming the deficit to five points on Baker Mayfield’s 10-yard touchdown pass to Tez Johnson. However, Tampa Bay struggled to get any closer, punting twice and being stopped on downs following a Maye interception.
Henderson put the game away with a 69-yard touchdown run with 1:31 left in the fourth quarter, increasing the Patriots’ lead to 28-16. Although the Buccaneers managed to score once more with 33 seconds remaining, they were unable to recover the ensuing onside kick, allowing the Patriots to comfortably kneel out the clock.
Henderson had a standout performance, rushing for 147 yards on 14 carries with two touchdowns, averaging an impressive 10.5 yards per attempt. Maye went 16-of-31 for 270 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, adding 13 rushing yards to his total.
On the Buccaneers’ side, Baker Mayfield completed 27-of-43 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns. Emeka Egbuka continued his strong form with six catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. Despite solid offensive numbers, Tampa Bay’s defense struggled to make crucial stops, which proved costly.
With the victory, the Patriots improve to 8-2 and face a quick turnaround as they prepare for a Thursday night matchup against the Jets, who also won on Sunday. The Buccaneers fall to 6-3 and will look to bounce back on the road in Week 11 against another AFC East opponent, the Bills.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/patriots-improve-to-8-2-with-28-23-victory-over-buccaneers