Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3) – New England Patriots (8-2): 28-23
The Patriots continue their very good season. In this anticipated shock of the 7 p.m. matches, New England generally dominated its subject even if Tampa had numerous opportunities to come back.
Drake Maye (16/31, 270 yards, 2 TD, 1 INt) was less precise than usual but he leaves Florida with one more victory for his team. On the other hand, for Baker Mayfield (28/43, 273 yards, 3 TDs) and company, there will be regrets because there was room to go ahead but too many possessions remained sterile.
Two minutes from the end of the match, Tampa had the opportunity to take the lead, but New England's defense held on. The opportunity is too good, the Patriots finish off their prey of the day.
AC attacks
The first half of the match is like the weather in Tampa which alternates between sun and rain. The two attacks, although so successful since the start of the season, alternate between the good and the disappointing. Great actions like Kyle Williams' touchdown (1 rec, 72 yards, 1 TD) for New England but also imprecise throws. Defenses come close to intercepting both quarterbacks on numerous occasions. A false rhythm sets in, the punts multiply.
The end of the second quarter livened up a little more with a magnificently constructed Patriots touchdown on a drive of more than 7 minutes and 83 yards. Note the very risky but profitable coaching of Mike Vrabel who sacrifices an offensive attempt to let the clock run out, Tampa no longer having any timeouts. 14 to 10 for the visitors at the break
Tampa Bay can't do it, New England flies away
The second act begins with a bang. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson (14 races, 147 yards, 2 TDs) scores after a superb 55-yard run. A punt exchange follows and the Buccaneers score to get back to within 5 points of their opponent.
The false rhythm at the start of the match regains its rights and neither of the two attacks manages to take precedence over the defenses. Everything accelerates again at the end of the half. The Buccaneers intercept Drake Maye then move up the entire field but are unable to finish. However, the opportunity was perfect to take control two minutes from the end of the match.
We shouldn't have left so much to the Patriots, Henderson definitely killed the game with a 69-yard run. The Patriots win the game and dominate the AFC a little more.
For Tampa, we must not have too many regrets and move forward as soon as possible.
