The New England Patriots take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a regular season game at Raymond James Stadium on Thursday, October 5, 2017.
New England Patriots, from left, Elandon Roberts (52), Brandon King (36), Duron Harmon (30) and Marquis Flowers (59) during the playing of the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Referee Carl Cheffers (51) flips the coin before an NFL football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New England Patriots Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) slips pas Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Ryan Russell (95) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) slips past Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Justin Evans (21) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan signals a first down after a reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) leaves the bench during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New England Patriots running back Mike Gillislee, left, tries to escape a tackle by Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Kendell Beckwith, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard (80) looks to block New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) kicks a field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches his team during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) is taken down by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (28) after scoring on a 5-yard touchdown reception during the second quarter of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) spikes the football after catching a 5-yard touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) spikes the football after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan, left, celebrates his touchdown reception with quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass as he is pressured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan, left, celebrates his touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with teammate wide receiver Danny Amendola during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) is tripped up by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Clinton McDonald (98) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) runs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) steps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ryan Smith (29) after a field goal during the second quarter of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) eludes a tackle by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Brent Grimes (24) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski sits on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reacts after a pass he threw was batted down by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass as he is pressured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola, right, goes up for a reception over Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Robert McClain (36) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. Amendola was called for offensive pass interference. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots running back Mike Gillislee runs aagainst the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston throws a pass against the New England Patriots during the third quarter of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New England Patriots defensive tackle Adam Butler pumps his fist after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers missed a field goal during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate (84) pulls in an 18-yard touchdown pass in front of New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) and strong safety Patrick Chung during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is hit by the New England Patriots defense during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New England Patriots defense breaks up a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard (80) on the final play of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, shakes hands with Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter after an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. New England won 19-14. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady shakes hands with Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Robert McClain (36) after the Patriots defeated the Buccaneers 19-14 during an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jugando su tercer partido en un lapso de 12 días, los New England Patriots lograron esta noche una victoria de 19 – 14 frente a los Buccaneers.
Con este triunfo los Patriots mejoraron su record de la temporada a 3-2.
"Ciertamente que hay muchas cosas en las 3 fases del juego que podemos y necesitamos hacer mejor las cosas. Pero es bueno venir y ganar, un gran esfuerzo en una semana corta. Estoy orgulloso de ellos por eso", dijo Belichick en su conferencia.
Un partido donde otra vez las falencias del equipo salieron a flote en prácticamente cada fase del juego.
Brady poniendose el equipo al hombro
A pesar del acoso constante de los pass rushers de los Buccaneers, Tom Brady hizo lo necesario para poner los suficientes puntos en el marcador y lograr su cuarta presentación consecutiva con más de 300 yardas lanzadas.
Ante la ausencia en el último minuto de Gronkowski, el QB de New England tuvo que apoyarse en el talento de sus receptores Danny Amendola (8 de 8, 77 yardas), Chris Hogan (8 de 11, 74 yardas, 1 TD) y Brandin Cooks (5 de 8, 85 yardas). Igualmente hubo una contribución en el juego aéreo por parte del RB James White (7 de 9, 57 yardas).
Brady terminó su actuación completando 30 de 40 pases para 303 yardas y 1 TD. La sorpresiva ausencia de Rob Gronkowski no ayudó a la causa de New England, particularmente en la zona roja donde en 3 visitas solo lograron un touchdown.
"Batallamos pero no pudimos hacer lo suficiente para finalmente poner el balón en la zona de anotación; pero estoy contento de haber ganado", manifestó Brady acerca de la actuación de su ofensiva.
Preocupante falta de protección
Un detalle importante de la ofensiva aérea fue la pobre protección recibida por Brady a lo largo del partido. El QB jugó bajo constante presión siendo capturado en 3 oportunidades y recibido 6 golpes. Una estadística que alarma aún más si consideramos que en sus primeros 3 partidos el equipo de Tampa solo había sumado 1 captura en total.
El juego de carrera tuvo una aceptable actuación, Mike Gillislee (12 acarreos, 52 yardas) y Dion Lewis (7 acarreos, 53 yardas), le dieron –particularmente en la primera mitad- una valida opción a Brady para hacer el juego aéreo menos predecible.
La defensa logró mejorar
La defensa tuvo sus buenos momentos, particularmente la secundaria que durante buena parte del partido controló con acierto a los peligrosos receptores de los Bucs. Stephon Gilmore hizo un buen trabajo con el WR Mike Evans (49 yardas en 5 recepciones) mientras que Malcolm Butler tuvo sus encuentros con el WR DeSean Jackson (5 recepciones, 106 yardas). La contribución de los safeties Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung y Duron Harmon también fue rescatable.
La defensa de los Pats logró que los Bucs solo completaran 4 de 13 situaciones de tercera oportunidad.
"Hablamos toda la semana acerca de la comunicación. No jugamos perfecto, no lo tenemos que hacer siempre para poder ganar, solo tenemos que jugar inteligentemente, estar compaginados y no cometer errores mentales. Aunque tenemos cosas por arreglar, hoy hicimos un mejor trabajo", expresó Devin McCourty.
Al final de la noche el QB Jameis Winston terminó su jornada completando 26 de 46 para 334 yardas y 1 TD. El mariscal de campo fue capturado en 2 ocasiones: .5 Deatrich Wise (.5), Trey Flowers (.5), Deatrich Wise (1).
"Ellos hicieron un gran juego y nos mantuvieron en la competencia durante toda la noche", comentó Brady del trabajo de su defensa.
No podía ser tan perfecto
Ciertamente que la defensa sufrió una recaída en su efectividad particularmente en las 32 últimas marchas del equipo de Tampa cuando el QB de Tampa orquesta un avance de 84 yardas (que termina en un gol de campo de 31 yardas errado), otro de 74 yardas (que acaba en touchdown) y el último de 59 yardas (que terminó con un pase incompleto en los segundos finales del partido).
Otro factor a resaltar es el juego torpe de New England que sumó 12 penalidades para 108 yardas. En dos jugadas consecutivas, Deatrich Wise y luego Cassius Marsh fueron penalizados por rudeza innecesaria contra el QB. Luego en el tercer cuarto de juego, con los equipos especiales, Brandon Bolden, en 4 y 2, ocupa la zona neutral y le da un 1 y 10 al equipo rival
Buen trabajo de Gostkowski
Mención especial merece el pateador Stephen Gostkowski quien anotó 4 de 4 goles de campo (27, 23,45 y 48 yardas), mientras que el pateador de los Bucs Nick Folk falló sus 3 intentos (56, 49 y 31 yardas).
Resumiendo
Un partido desagradable para la vista que nos deja solo preocupaciones.
Cierto que los planes variaron tras la confirmación de la ausencia de Gronkowski, cierto que la defensa (sin ser espectacular) jugó mejor y dio un paso hacia delante, y cierto es también que este era el tercer partido en 12 días.
Pero hay que jugar mejor, hay que cometer menos penalidades absurdas, hay que proteger mejor a Brady; hay que jugar un football más efectivo e inteligente. De no empezar a hacerlo pronto, el camino se hará más empedrado y cuesta arriba. Trabajemos para que eso no ocurra, mostremos mayores avances, ya no hay tiempo que perder.
