New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 things to watch

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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 01: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs for a first down after a catch against Darian Thompson #27 and Jonathan Casillas #52 of the New York Giants in the fourth quarter of a game at Raymond James Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs defeated the Giants 25-23. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Patriots secondary vs. Buccaneers passing attack

This is another matchup the Buccaneers have to find a way to exploit. While the third down statistics favor the Patriots greatly, the numbers in the passing game for the Bucs on offense and Patriots on defense greatly favor Tampa Bay.

As poor as the Buccaneers’ 50 percent third down conversions allowed rate is, the Patriots aren’t very good either, allowing 43.5 percent. In addition to that, the Patriots’ defense ranks 23rd in coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, and the Buccaneers are the eighth highest graded team in passing offense.

When you put the numbers aside and just look at the player matchups, this is one area the Buccaneers have to find a way to win. Mike Evans is one of the most dynamic receivers in the game today, and he’s got DeSean Jackson on the other side of the field, a player who can truly stretch the Patriots’ secondary with his speed.

Adam Humphries is playing well, and the Bucs have a pair of tight ends in Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard that can help make life very difficult for the Patriots’ secondary, which has been downright bad at times this season.

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