TAMPA, Fla. — The Patriots were willing party crashers Thursday night at Raymond James Stadium.
It was a game that had been billed as one of the most meaningful regular-season contests in Buccaneers history, but the Patriots claimed a 19-14 victory and seized their booty.
And after the defense was assailed throughout the short week, the Patriots (3-2) clinched the win with a stop at the buzzer, as Jonathan Jones broke up Jameis Winston’s end-zone bid on the final pass of the game. The Patriots now have 10 days to continue to tinker with that side of the ball before visiting the Jets.