The New England Patriots have moved to 3-0 in their season with a 20-point victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Gillette Stadium in the NFL.
The Buccaneers' offense moved well in the first quarter but could only register a field goal as kicker Rian Lindell knocked the ball through the posts from 38 yards out after missing his first attempt earlier in the game.
New England responded with a solid drive after the Buccaneers had failed to convert a fourth down attempt and quarterback Tom Brady found rookie wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins for his first touchdown of his career to give his side the lead on a 16-yard strike.
The Bucs failed on another conversion in their next possession and presented the Patriots with another short field. Brady took full advantage again this time, finding Thompkins on a slant in the endzone for a five-yard strike.
Late in the half Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman threw an interception to cornerback Aqib Talib and the Patriots kicked a field goal with one second left on the clock, with Stephen Gostkowski nailing a kick from 53 yards to give his side a 17-3 lead at the break.
After half time the Patriots had the chance to add to their score but Brady threw an interception of his own in the five-yard line straight into the hands of safety Mark Barron. However, in their next possession the home side added three more from the boot of Gostkowski from 46 yards.
Another kick from Gostkowski in the fourth quarter moved the Patriots 20 points clear of the Buccaneers, and Freeman could get nothing going with his side's offense as Bill Belichick's side cruised to the win.
Simon Sinclair
