The Buccaneers (2-1) return to the field Thursday for an 8:25 p.m. kickoff against the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots (2-2). Here, we preview the matchup and tell you where to watch and listen to it.
Following a last-second 25-23 win over the Giants on Sunday, the Buccaneers have to get right back at it on Thursday night. The New England Patriots are in town for the first time in Tom Brady‘s career. When the 2017 schedule came out, this Thursday Night Football matchup was one of the biggest for the Bucs. At 2-1, the team is in pretty good shape record-wise, but could make a monumental statement with a victory over the defending champions.
The Bucs needed a last-second field goal to beat the Giants on Sunday. Of course, had Nick Folk not missed two field goals and an extra point earlier in the game, Tampa Bay would’ve won more comfortably. Regardless, Jameis Winston turned in great game. He threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with three different receivers for those scores. Mike Evans, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate all caught touchdowns. The defense struggled to get after the quarterback, but Brent Grimes being back in the secondary was a huge help. On special teams, punter Bryan Anger had such a good day that he was “randomly” drug tested by the NFL.
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New England, on the other hand, is coming off a tough loss. The Patriots fell 33-30 at home to the Panthers on Sunday. Brady threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns, but the defense continued to be a liability. Carolina put up 444 total yards. Cam Newton threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns while adding 44 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The New England offense is always one of the best in the league. Its defense is usually a positive as well, but the unit is struggling heavily this year. Opponents are averaging 32 points per game against the Patriots.
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With the short week, it was never going to be very easy to get guys healthy. Kwon Alexander (hamstring) is still out, while Lavonte David (ankle), Keith Tandy (hip) and T.J. Ward (hip) are all doubtful. For the Patriots, Rex Burkhead (ribs) and Eric Rowe (groin) are out. They have quite a few players designated as questionable, with tight end Rob Gronkowski (thigh) being the most notable.
Back in 2013, the Patriots beat the Bucs 23-3 in Foxboro. Doug Martin rushed for 88 yards on 20 carries in the loss. Martin, of course, is making his long-awaited return to the field on Thursday night after serving a four-game suspension. The Tampa Bay backfield is set to get a huge boost with his return. New England owns a 6-2 lead in the all-time regular season series. It currently holds a three-game win streak.
Where to Watch
Thursday night’s game is set to air on CBS and NFL Network. Fans with Amazon Prime can also stream the broadcast. Play-by-play duties belong to Jim Nantz, who is joined by color commentator Tony Romo. Jay Feely and Tracy Wolfson have reports from the sideline.
Where to Listen
98Rock (97.9 FM) will have the radio broadcast on Thursday night. Gene Deckerhoff (play-by-play), Dave Moore (color) and T.J. Rives (sideline) will have the call. For other radio options around the state of Florida, check here. Fans can also listen on buccaneers.com or the Buccaneers mobile app.
Satellite radio subscribers can hear the Tampa Bay broadcast on XM 83. The New England broadcast will be on XM 81.
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For in-game and postgame coverage of Thursday night’s game, follow @ThePewterPlank on Twitter. Check out our latest Walking The Plank Podcast below for a Thursday Night Football preview!