Because they were given the superstar treatment this week in their matchup against the Bucs, the New England Patriots had a lot of eyes watching their game in Tampa, wanting to see if the current leaders in the AFC East are the real deal or are a product of their easy strength of schedule.
It was a lot for the Patriots to live up to, as they hoped to continue their six-game win streak and prove they are a legitimate threat in the NFL by beating an excellent Bucs team on the road. They accomplished that on Sunday afternoon, in a hard-fought battle that could have very easily resulted in a loss.