Note: This is the official Pats Pulpit 2nd half game thread.

vs.

7 - 20

NFL Preseason Week 3

New England Patriots at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buccaneers Coverage: Bucs Nation

First half notes:

• Certainly not a great half of football for the Patriots in their "dress rehearsal." The Patriots came out and let the Buccaneers drive right down the field on them. They had a couple of break-downs in zone defense, and struggled to defend Bucs' new pick-up Vincent Jackson.
• Defensively, Chandler Jones did get some good pass rushes, and had a couple of hurries on Josh Freeman. I was also really impressed by the play of Brandon Spikes, who looked especially stout in run support - no surprises there.
• Tough day for Tom Brady so far, but it's hard to blame him - he's had no time to throw the ball. More struggles for Marcus Cannon at right tackle - he really doesn't look suited for right tackle in the NFL. A move to the inside would probably do him well.
• The bright spot for the Patriots on offense: running back Stevan Ridley. He's so decisive in his cuts, and gets up the field quick. He's not the fastest athlete, but he is a really fast decision maker. He pretty much single-handedly led the Patriots to a score on the team's only touchdown drive of the first half.