It’s finally here.
One of the most anticipated regular-season games in NFL history has arrived, as Tom Brady will make his return to Gillette Stadium to face the Patriots for the first time.
On the field, both teams are coming off a loss and desperate for a win. The Patriots are 1-2 on the year, while the Buccaneers are 2-1, but have been inconsistent in their first three games.
Adding more intrigue to the game, Brady can pass Drew Brees for the most passing yards in NFL history. All he needs is 68 yards.
It should be an exciting night in Foxboro.
Buccaneers vs. Patriots
Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021
Buccaneers -7, over/under 49
8:20 p.m., NBC
3 keys to the game
Don’t allow any big plays
The Tampa Bay offense can score from anywhere on the field, so the Patriots defense needs to be sure no one gets behind them and they don’t miss any open field tackles. If the Buccaneers hit on some big plays early, it could be a long night for the Patriots. It will be interesting to see how the Patriots matchup with the Bucs pass-catchers as they have so many of them and the Patriots secondary isn’t exactly stacked.
Allow Mac Jones to throw
If there’s one area where the Bucs might be vulnerable, it’s in their secondary. Tampa Bay is dead last in the league when it comes to pass defense and 28th in points allowed. Its secondary is particularly banged up, so it may be in the Patriots’ best interest to spread the field and let the rookie pick the defense apart. The question becomes who will make plays for the Patriots offense as the pass-catchers haven’t done all that much to this point in the year.
Try and take Brady off his game
Bill Belichick knows Brady better than any coach in the league, so he knows his very few weaknesses. He likely will have a very good game plan, the question becomes can his defense execute it. So far the unit has been underwhelming considering the talent it has on paper. This would be a great time for the defense to play to its potential and make a statement against one of the league’s best offenses.
Fun Facts
1. The Patriots have lost four straight games (regular and postseason) at Gillette Stadium with fans.
2. Belichick is 10-5 against quarterbacks that used to start for him. Those players have completed 57% of their passes for 12 touchdowns with 22 interceptions.
3. In the regular season at home with New England, Belichick is 121-20 with Brady, but 14-15 without him.
4. Nick Folk’s 35 consecutive field goal streak is tied for seventh all-time in league history. It is also the second-longest current streak in the NFL behind Graham Gano (37, 2020-present) of the Giants.
5. Since 1978 of the 305 teams to start 1-3, the average finish of those teams was 6-10 and only 36 (11.8%) made the playoffs.
Prediction (Season record: 1-2)
Buccaneers 26, Patriots 20
This one is going to be closer than many expect. While Brady has experienced pretty much everything in the league, he doesn’t know exactly what his emotions will be like when he takes to the field Sunday night. In addition, expect a masterful game plan from Belichick on defense to try and limit Brady and the Bucs offense. But in the end, Tampa simply is the more talented team and will find a way to win.