The New England Patriots secured their seventh consecutive victory with a 28-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on March 24, 2024. Running back TreVeyon Henderson played a pivotal role in the game, scoring two impressive touchdown runs of 69 and 55 yards, while quarterback Drake Maye contributed with two touchdown passes. This latest win brings the Patriots’ record to 8-2, placing them atop the AFC East after a challenging 4-13 season last year.
Head coach Mike Vrabel, now in his first year leading the Patriots, expressed pride in his team’s performance. “It’s not always perfect but I love the way they compete,” he stated after the game. “It was a long game. It’s a tough place to play. It was a warm day and they’re good.” The victory marked a complete sweep of the NFC South for the Patriots, a notable achievement against the division leaders who have dominated for the past four years.
The game saw its share of tense moments. After Maye threw an interception in the end zone, the Patriots’ defense stepped up, stopping the Buccaneers on fourth-and-3 at their own 27-yard line. This pivotal stop allowed Henderson to extend the lead with his second long touchdown run, sealing the game for New England. Henderson finished with a career-high 147 rushing yards on just 14 carries.
Reflecting on his performance, Henderson remarked, “It honestly felt good. This season comes with a lot of ups and downs in the NFL, but I thank God for the way he’s allowed it to go because he’s matured me a lot in my faith.” His determination to trust the process has been evident as he continues to make significant contributions to the team.
The Buccaneers, now 6-3, faced challenges throughout the game. They were previously the first team in NFL history to achieve each of their first four wins through game-winning scores in the final minute. Yet against the Patriots, they found themselves unable to replicate that success. Notably, quarterback Baker Mayfield threw a late touchdown pass to Tez Johnson but fell short as the Patriots recovered the ensuing onside kick.
Coach Todd Bowles acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, stating, “We didn’t play well. We have to take it on the chin. Give Vrabel and the Patriots a lot of credit. They did a heck of a job of doing the things they needed to do.” He emphasized the need for improvement in coaching and performance, starting with himself.
The game featured several explosive plays, with New England achieving three touchdowns of over 50 yards. One of the standout moments was a stunning 72-yard touchdown connection between Maye and Kyle Williams that tied the game at 7-7 during the first quarter. Additionally, Maye’s touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs just before halftime allowed the Patriots to take a narrow 14-10 lead into the break. Diggs showcased his skill with a remarkable catch over Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr..
This match also marked a significant moment as it was the first meeting between the two teams since the retirement of Tom Brady, a player who led both franchises to Super Bowl victories. The stands reflected this history, with more Patriots jerseys visible than Buccaneers ones.
In terms of injuries, the Patriots faced some setbacks. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore left the game in the fourth quarter due to a back injury, while running back Terrell Jennings did not return after suffering a knee injury. The Buccaneers also dealt with injuries, losing left guard Ben Bredeson to a hamstring issue early in the game.
Looking ahead, the Patriots will host the New York Jets on Thursday night, while the Buccaneers will visit the Buffalo Bills next Sunday. Both teams are eager to build on their seasons as the playoffs approach.
