NFL: Brady returns to New England for a historic night against his former team

Foxborough, Massachusetts - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took on the New Patriots with arguably the most prolific quarterback in NFL history making his return to familiar territory this time, as a visitor.

Bucs quarterback Tom Brady left the field victorious on Sunday night as the fourth player in NFL history to have defeated all 32 teams.
Bucs quarterback Tom Brady left the field victorious on Sunday night as the fourth player in NFL history to have defeated all 32 teams.  © IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

The Bucs escaped with a big road win 19-17 over the Patriots in Tom Brady’s (44) return to New England, but as starting quarterback of the visiting team.

In the first quarter, Brady completed a 28-yard pass to Mike Evans, becoming the league’s career leader in passing yards with 80,359, eclipsing former Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who held the mark with 80,358 yards.

Brady finished the game with 80,560 yards, thanks to a decent game completing 22 out of 43 pass attempts for 269 yards.

After the win, Brady also became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to defeat all 32 current teams.

Pats miss their golden chance at the end

Brady also became the league’s career leader in passing yards with 80,359.
Brady also became the league’s career leader in passing yards with 80,359.  © IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

The first half had few spectacular plays, apart from Brady’s historic milestone, as both teams went into halftime of a rain-soaked primetime game with the Patriots up only 7-6.

One plus for the Patriots came from their defensive gameplan, holding Tampa’s offense to only two field goals in the first half, while rookie quarterback Mac Jones did lead the Pats to a touchdown in the second quarter.

Jones held his own against his predecessor, finishing the game 31-for-40 for 275 yards, as well as two touchdowns and an interception.

Tampa finally scored a touchdown in the third quarter thanks to Ronald Jones’ eight-yard touchdown run to give the Bucs their first lead.

The Pats answered back in the fourth with Jones’ second score to Jonnu Smith to put New England back up by one.

Each team traded field goals and leads as the final minutes ticked away up until Ryan Succop kicked a 48-yarder to put the Bucs up for good with under two minutes remaining.

The Pats had one last chance but fell short when Nick Folk missed a 56-yard field goal, sealing the win for the Bucs.

Next Sunday, the Bucs (3-1) head home to host the Dolphins (1-3) while the Patriots (1-3) go to Houston to play the Texans (1-3).

Cover photo: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

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