The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New England Patriots by a score of 30-28 Friday night, improving to 2-1 in the 2012 NFL preseason. Any enthusiasm over the team's performance is likely tempered by the injuries suffered in the game, including a likely season-ending injury to crucial offensive lineman Davin Joseph.
Josh Freeman was 10-for-19 on the night, throwing for 102 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Rookie running back Doug Martin had most of the team's carries, racking up 53 yards on 13 attempts. LeGarrette Blount finished the night with 22 yards on 7 carries.
Tampa Bay's defense looked strong against the Patriots' first-team offense. Tom Brady was 13-for-20 for 127 yards but Tampa Bay was able to apply pressure and forced a fumble and picked up an interception early in the game.
In addition to Joseph, defensive end Adrian Clayborn left the game with an arm injury serious enough to require X-rays, and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was limping after a hard shot to the knee.
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