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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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints looks to make a pass while under pressure from Deatrich Wise Jr. #91 of the New England Patriots in the first quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The Patriots pass rush will get to Brady

If there is one thing that flusters Tom Brady, it’s a good pass rush. The Saints showed that last year when they beat Tampa Bay 38-3 on Sunday Night Football. The constant pressure forced Brady into throwing multiple interceptions and the Saints kept the Buccaneers out of the end zone on their own field.

The Patriots have been superb at applying pressure and getting sacks this season. They have nine sacks through three games, and look much more like the Patriots defense we are accustomed to seeing.

Last year, this was a mediocre defense. They dealt with a lot of opt outs, but it was still not up to the standard of what Belichick’s defenses have shown in previous years.

The Matt Judon signing has already paid off, as he leads the team with 3.5 sacks. Josh Uche has also had a good start to his season, and is right behind Judon with three sacks. If New England can get home and keep getting in Brady’s face, the seven-time Super Bowl champion will get uncomfortable in a hurry. He’ll start getting rid of the ball quicker, and force things that aren’t there, which will lead to the Patriots defensive backs pouncing.

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