New England Patriots: Staff Predictions Week Three Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
By Hal Bent
Chris Simoneau:
Tough game due to the underrated Tampa defense, but the Patriots defense is no slouch either and they will shut down Josh Freeman and company.
Prediction: New England Patriots 27 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13
Martin Antonucci:
Aug 16, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen (34) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers corner back Michael Adams (21) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots face their toughest opponent on paper so far this season, facing two division opponents (Jets and Bills). Even though the Jets and Bills played New England tough. The Patriots now have two regular season games under their belt, which is great for the young team.
On the other side, Tampa Bay had fallen to 0-2 despite having a great team. Their careless mistakes late in games and penalties has cost them big time. The Bucs now stand in quicksand because they soon face the Patriots at home. One of the toughest teams to beat in the league on their own turf.
Prediction: New England Patriots 27 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23
Cyrus Geller:
The Buccaneers boast one of the best defensive unit’s in all of football, and that does not bode well for a Patriot offense that is really struggling right now. Tampa will cause problems all afternoon for the Pats, so that is why I think it will be the New England defense that once again saves the day for the Patriots. The Bucs have a few talented pieces on offense, but based on their first two performances of 2013, the new and improved Patriot D should handle them, and propel the Patriots to victory.