The New England Patriots nearly spoiled Tom Brady's homecoming on Sunday night. The defense harassed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal-caller all game while limiting big plays and forcing the Buccaneers to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns.
Ultimately, though, a missed 56-yard Nick Folk field goal ended the Patriots' chance to play spoiler. Brady bested his former team, and the Patriots fell to 1-3 on the season. For Patriots fans, it was a disappointing end to perhaps the most heavily-hyped regular-season game in recent memory.
However, the Patriots should feel about as good about this performance as they can feel about any loss.