5 bold predictions for the Patriots against the Buccaneers

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots looks on during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) J.C. Jackson #27 of the New England Patriots in action against Corey Davis #84 of the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Patriots defeated the Jets 25-6. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

The Patriots defense will force multiple turnovers

If you don’t think Brady is going to try extra hard to stick it to his former team, you’d be sadly mistaken. For as much as both Brady and Bill Belichick will say this is “just another game,” that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Still, the Buccaneers offense is going to be similar to how it was in Week 3 — a run game that doesn’t exist and Brady attacking through the air.

This Patriots defense is good. Even without Stephon Gilmore, the secondary is still playing like one of the best units in football. J.C. Jackson continues to prove that he is among the top cornerbacks in the NFL, and the pass rush has been stout so far, as well (more on them later).

Brady is going to make some throws he wouldn’t usually make because of that drive and need to stick it to New England.

There are still multiple players on the Patriots defense that shared a locker room with Brady and know what to expect. Jackson and/or Devin McCourty could each play a big factor in taking the ball away from the Buccaneers as they try to spoil Brady’s homecoming.

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