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Pats fall in first preseason game

Matt Bryant’s field goal as time expires lifts the Bucs to a 13-10 win over the Patriots in Tampa.

A lackadaisical first pre-season game on the whole. Both New England and Tampa didn’t take many chances with their first teams. Both Tom Brady and backup Matt Cassell were efficient without throwing for many yards.

The young defensive Patriots players had their rookie mistake moments but overall played a solid first professional game. Oscar Lua went a ways in solidfying his spot as a backup inside linebacker. Brandon Merriweather saw action both at safety and cornerback, and the jury is still out where he’ll start the season. Mike Richardson – a rookie CB from Notre Dame – was all over the secondary, breaking up a long pass play mid way thru the fourth.

Final thoughts:

-Overall, you can’t ask for much more. The first team offense – without many of its weapons – did have one solid drive.

-Adalius Thomas is a beast. He was all over the place in his few series’ and has already seems to fit perfectly into the Patriots defensive mentality.

-Lastly, and most important, no significant injuries. Next game is next Friday at Gillette Stadium against Tennessee.

Tags: Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers