The New England Patriots defense shut down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense for three quarters this past Thursday before they started playing softer coverage. Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston only threw for 109 yards through three quarters and the Patriots controlled the entire game.
Is this shut down defense real or a mirage? Can the Patriots expect this quality of defense for the rest of the year? If so, they might take back the crown for the best team in the NFL. If not, well, it was nice while it lasted.
Alec and Rich break down the Buccaneers game, whether or not we can trust the defense, what the Patriots can do to be better in the red zone, and whether the 3-2 New York Jets are anything to worry about.