Oct. 27, 1985. Patriots 32, Buccaneers 14Similar to their first meeting nine years earlier, the Pats ran into a winless (0-7) Bucs team that led New England at halftime – this time by a 14-13 count. Once again, the Patriots pulled away in South Florida, scoring 19 points after the break. Craig James ran for two fourth-quarter TDs and Don Blackmon put an exclamation point on the win, sacking Bucs QB Steve DeBerg in the end zone for a safety.

Nov. 16, 1997. Buccaneers 27, Patriots 7Tampa Bay got its first win in the series, and in a big way, as the Bucs' burgeoning defense sacked Drew Bledsoe five times, intercepted him twice and held New England to just 168 total yards. Bucs RB Mike Alstott ran for 91 yards and a TD.

Dec. 17, 2005. Patriots 28, Buccaneers 0The Patriots sacked Bucs QB Chris Simms seven times at Gillette Stadium, with Tedy Bruschi and Willie McGinest recording sacks each. Tom Brady threw TD passes to three different receivers from three different positional groups: OL and tackle-eligible Tom Ashworth, WR David Givens and RB Corey Dillon. 

Oct. 25, 2009. Patriots 35, Buccaneers 7The Patriots first game on foreign soil couldn't have gone any better as they blew out the Bucs at London's Wembley Stadium in the "International Series." Brandon Merriweather had two interceptions (and 70 return yards), the first of which he returned for a 39-yard TD to open the scoring. Tom Brady threw a 14-yard TD pass to Wes Welker, a 54-yard TD pass to Sam Aiken and 35-yard TD pass to Ben Watson. 

Tom Brady - Only Alex Smith has put up better numbers than Brady this fall. TB12 continues to defy misconceptions about what a 40-year-old passer can be and should continue to do so against a Tampa pass defense that ranks 31st in the NFL. 

Rob Gronkowski - Lost in the Patriots loss to Carolina was the fact that Gronkowski continues to show that he's healthy - he played all 70 snaps against the Panthers - and can produce like he always has. Gronkowski leads the Patriots with 318 yards receiving, sixth most in the NFL, and should look to add significantly to that total in Tampa.

Bill Belichick - It may be a bit dramatic, but New England could be at an early-season crossroads with a 2-2 record heading into tough spot Thursday night road game in Tampa. There may be plenty of reasons to doubt the Patriots right now, but in this type of spot in the past Belichick has generally gotten the most out of his team.

O.J. Howard - The rookie tight end had his first big play with a 58-yard touchdown last week. The Patriots have had some issues against tight ends this fall, so keeping the youngster Howard in check could be a concern.

Vernon Hargreaves - Tampa's young corner and former first-round pick is a talented athlete. As he looks to prove his mettle Hargreaves will likely be amped up for this home, Thursday night test against Tom Brady and the best offense the NFL has to offer. That emotion could go one of two ways for him.