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New England Patriots: 4 Takeaways from Week 5 win

By Nick Ziegler

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 5: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots huddles the offense during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 5: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots huddles the offense during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 5: Quarterback Jameis Winston
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 5: Quarterback Jameis Winston /

– Defense shows up

For the first time all season, the Patriots’ defense finally showed up. On a short week against a talented offense, nobody could have predicted that the Patriots would have their best defensive game of the season.

However, the Patriots simplified their defense and played a lot of zone coverage. Jameis Winston struggled with the Patriots playing a soft zone early on in the game. After holding Winston in check for most of the game, he was able to get it figured out in the second half.

While Winston did end up totaling over 300 passing yards, a lot of that came in the fourth quarter with the Patriots defense willing to allow some yards. A good indication of the improvement in the Patriots’ defense was the stat line for Mike Evans. As one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, the Patriots held him to just five catches and 49 receiving yards.

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It was a bit surprising to see the Buccaneers not run the football more, as they had a lot of success in the second quarter running it with Doug Martin. With the game on the line at the end of the game, the Patriots’ defense was able to keep the Buccaneers out of the end zone to secure a win. With a few extra days before they face the Jets, the Patriots will likely continue to tweak their defense.

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