New England Patriots vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats and Highlights

In the New England Patriots vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats and highlights from November 9, 2025, the Patriots edged a competitive Buccaneers squad 28–23 in a thrilling Week 10 NFL matchup. New England improved to an 8–2 record while Tampa Bay dropped to 6–3 despite strong offensive performances. The box score reveals a close statistical battle, but execution in key moments defined the final outcome.

This game featured standout individual performances and strategic shifts that shaped the flow of play. Both teams moved the ball effectively between the 20‑yard lines, but situational execution particularly in the red zone and on turnovers played a critical role in determining the winner. We’ll break down the player stats, scoring drives, and pivotal moments in detail.

Quick Score Summary Table

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
New England Patriots	7	7	7	7	28
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	7	3	6	7	23

New England scored in every quarter, demonstrating consistency and balance on both sides of the ball. The Patriots’ ability to answer Tampa Bay’s points quarter by quarter kept momentum on their side throughout the final 60 minutes.

Tampa Bay matched New England early but fell short in the third quarter, a period that often determines tight contests. Two failed red zone opportunities and a missed two‑point conversion in that frame ultimately contributed to the narrow deficit.

Quick Match Stats Overview

Category	New England Patriots	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Total Yards	435	371
Passing Yards	269	258
Rushing Yards	166	113
Time of Possession	27:35	32:25
Turnovers	1	0
Red Zone Efficiency	1‑2	2‑3

Match Overview and Final Score Summary

New England’s 28–23 victory over Tampa Bay reflected tactical discipline and clutch execution at key moments. The Patriots struck first with a big play, a 72‑yard touchdown pass that set the tone early. Their offense mixed explosive plays with sustained drives, while the defense kept Tampa Bay in check through much of the second half.

The Buccaneers made this one competitive with their passing attack and clock management. However, turnovers and red zone inefficiency ultimately hindered their ability to overcome New England’s scoring consistency. While Tampa Bay showed flashes of dominance between the 20s, they could not translate it into enough point success.

First Quarter Analysis: Early Momentum and Opening Drives

The opening quarter saw Tampa Bay strike first as Baker Mayfield connected with Emeka Egbuka for a 21‑yard touchdown, setting an aggressive early tone. The Buccaneers moved the ball efficiently downfield, surprising the Patriots’ defense with balanced play calls that mixed quick throws and creative rushes.

New England answered emphatically when Drake Maye hit Kyle Williams on a 72‑yard bomb. That explosive play not only tied the game but shifted psychological momentum. The Patriots’ ability to respond immediately kept Tampa Bay from building early control.

Second Quarter Breakdown: Offensive Adjustments and Defensive Stops

Both teams tightened up in the second quarter as each coaching staff made impactful adjustments. Tampa Bay settled for a field goal midway through the period, demonstrating their ability to survive in tight situations. Their offense began to lean slightly more on short and intermediate passing to sustain drives.

New England responded with a patient, clock‑eating drive capped by a one‑yard Stefon Diggs touchdown. That score put the Patriots ahead at halftime and showcased their ability to blend balanced play calling with red zone precision. Tampa Bay’s defense stiffened late in the quarter but could not prevent the Patriots from extending their lead.

Third Quarter Turning Point: Key Plays and Momentum Shift

The third quarter marked a crucial turning point. New England took the lead early in the period on a long 55‑yard touchdown run by TreVeyon Henderson, putting pressure on Tampa Bay to respond. That play drained clock and put the Patriots in control of the scoring sequence.

The Buccaneers answered in the quarter with a touchdown pass, but a failed two‑point conversion maintained a less favorable differential. Tampa Bay continued to move the ball efficiently, yet execution near scoring areas remained a challenge. That missed two‑point opportunity loomed large as the game tightened.

Fourth Quarter Drama: Clutch Performances Under Pressure

San Francisco extended their advantage early in the fourth quarter when Henderson broke off a 69‑yard touchdown run, effectively sealing the game. That explosive run highlighted both his breakaway speed and the Patriots’ ability to capitalize at crucial times.

Tampa Bay continued fighting until the final minutes, adding a late touchdown but failing to draw close enough on the scoreboard. Their comeback efforts showcased resilience, but New England’s early momentum and clutch execution in critical moments kept the Buccaneers at bay through the final whistle.

New England Patriots Offensive Player Stats

The Patriots’ offense was powered by a balanced rushing and passing attack in the New England Patriots vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats. Quarterback Drake Maye threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns while showing strong pocket presence and accuracy. Maye’s connection to playmakers like Kyle Williams and Stefon Diggs kept Tampa Bay’s secondary on alert throughout.

Running back TreVeyon Henderson exploded with a team‑high 147 rushing yards and two long touchdown runs. Those explosive plays proved decisive and showcased the Patriots’ ability to strike in multiple phases. Meanwhile, wide receivers continued spacing the field and creating separation, contributing to sustained drives.

New England Patriots Defensive Standouts and Key Tackles

On the defensive side in the New England Patriots vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats, New England limited Tampa Bay’s offense to 371 total yards. Veteran defenders applied timely pressure and contributed key tackles for loss. Their disciplined coverage prevented long completions and forced Tampa Bay into difficult down situations.

New England also limited the Buccaneers’ ground attack and pressured Baker Mayfield into tight windows. Defensive backs maintained strong positioning, forcing contested throws and minimizing yards after catch. These efforts helped contain Tampa Bay’s most dangerous offensive threats.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Player Stats

Despite dropping the game, Tampa Bay put up solid offensive numbers in the New England Patriots vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats. Baker Mayfield completed 28 of 43 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns, displaying his veteran comfort against a tough defensive front. His chemistry with targets like Tez Johnson and Emeka Egbuka produced big plays.

The Buccaneers also saw productive runs between the tackles, amassing 113 rushing yards. Running backs consistently found creases and kept drives alive. However, inconsistency in key areas like red zone execution and a conservative late drive approach limited their ability to convert yardage into more decisive points.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Highlights and Impact Plays

In defensive player stats for the New England Patriots vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats, Tampa Bay’s front line brought pressure that affected New England’s decision timing. Defensive linemen created interior disruption, forcing quarterbacks to settle into shorter throws. Secondary defenders also prevented multiple deep attempts by Patriots receivers.

However, the Buccaneers were less effective near the goal line and in third‑down situations. At times, coverage slipped in critical spots and allowed key completions under pressure. While Tampa Bay’s defense played respectable football overall, they could not consistently slow down New England’s balanced attack when it mattered most.

Quarterback Comparison: Passing Yards, Touchdowns, and Efficiency

In the New England Patriots vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats, both quarterbacks produced strong yardage numbers. Drake Maye threw for 270 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, while Baker Mayfield completed 28 of 43 attempts for 273 yards and three touchdowns.

Mayfield’s performance stood out for efficiency and scoring impact, yet Maye’s decision‑making on critical downs proved more timely. While Mayfield avoided turnovers, Maye’s balanced contributions and connection to multiple receivers gave New England offensive versatility.

Running Game Analysis: Rushing Leaders and Ground Battle

In the New England Patriots vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats, New England dominated the ground battle with 166 rushing yards. Henderson led the charge, breaking multiple long runs and controlling tempo throughout the day.

Tampa Bay’s 113 rushing yards came from a mix of steady carries and occasional big gains. Though less explosive than New England’s attack, their rushing game successfully kept drives alive and forced the Patriots defense to account for multi‑dimensional threats.

Receiving Leaders: Top Targets and Big Gains

San Francisco’s offense distributed targets evenly across its receiving corps. Short and intermediate routes were the focus, allowing quarterbacks to maintain rhythm and minimize turnovers. Players like their slot receivers and tight ends consistently moved the chains, creating sustained drives and keeping Cleveland’s defense off balance. The Patriots’ strategy ensured multiple players contributed, making it harder for the opposing secondary to focus on a single threat.

Cleveland relied heavily on vertical passing in an attempt to generate explosive gains. While the deep ball occasionally resulted in chunk yardage, the lack of consistency in the red zone reduced scoring effectiveness. Their reliance on a few key receivers left the passing attack somewhat predictable, which allowed San Francisco’s defensive backs to adjust coverage and limit scoring opportunities. This contrast highlights how balanced targeting versus high-risk vertical schemes can affect game outcomes.

Special Teams Performance: Field Goals, Punts, and Returns

San Francisco’s special teams executed efficiently, converting stalled drives into crucial points. Field goal units were precise, ensuring every scoring opportunity was maximized. Punt coverage limited field position advantages, and returners provided modest but consistent yardage, keeping the offense in favorable positions. The reliability of their special teams helped maintain momentum and prevented Cleveland from gaining any hidden advantages.

Cleveland’s special teams performed adequately but lacked game-changing plays. While punting and coverage were solid, there were no explosive returns to shift momentum. Missed opportunities in the kicking game kept the Buccaneers from leveraging field position effectively. This difference in special teams execution underscored the importance of auxiliary units in tight contests where small margins determine outcomes.

Turnovers and Penalties: Critical Mistakes That Shaped the Game

Turnovers proved decisive in the matchup. San Francisco committed zero turnovers, maintaining possession and control throughout key moments of the game. Every drive was maximized for scoring potential, and minimizing mistakes prevented Cleveland from capitalizing on opportunities. This discipline underscored the team’s focus on ball security as a foundation of winning football.

Cleveland committed two turnovers, which shifted momentum and field position in San Francisco’s favor. Additionally, penalties disrupted rhythm at crucial times, preventing sustained drives and adding pressure to the offense. Protecting the ball and avoiding unnecessary infractions are essential in tightly contested matchups, and this game highlighted how discipline separates contenders from teams struggling to convert yardage into points.

Coaching Strategy and Tactical Decisions

San Francisco’s coaching staff emphasized efficiency, risk control, and ball security. Their game plan balanced rushing and passing attacks, prioritized time of possession, and limited high-risk throws. Defensive adjustments were made to contain explosive plays, and situational awareness guided both play-calling and clock management. The result was a disciplined approach that converted statistical opportunities into tangible scoring advantages.

Cleveland’s coaching strategy leaned toward aggression but lacked precision in situational execution. Late adjustments came too slowly to reverse momentum, and red zone inefficiencies persisted despite yardage gains. While the Buccaneers demonstrated creativity and potential, the failure to capitalize on key plays highlighted the importance of timing, communication, and proactive planning in high-level football.

Key Match Stats Comparison Table

The New England Patriots vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers matchup featured nearly balanced total yardage, but subtle differences decided the outcome. New England amassed 435 total yards, while Tampa Bay generated 371. The Patriots excelled in rushing with 166 yards compared to Tampa Bay’s 113, giving them better control over the clock and key third‑down conversions. Passing yards were similar — 269 for New England and 258 for Tampa Bay — but efficiency and red zone execution separated the teams. Turnovers also played a decisive role: the Patriots had only one, while the Buccaneers were clean but failed to capitalize in scoring zones.

Red zone efficiency was critical. The Patriots converted one of two trips, scoring points when it mattered most. Tampa Bay managed two successful conversions in three attempts but lacked explosive plays in crucial moments. Time of possession slightly favored Tampa Bay at 32:25 versus New England’s 27:35, yet the Patriots made better use of their opportunities. This statistical comparison illustrates how execution, not just yardage, determines NFL outcomes.

Standout Player of the Match

TreVeyon Henderson emerged as the standout performer for the Patriots. His 147 rushing yards included two touchdown runs of 55 and 69 yards, both pivotal in shifting momentum. Henderson consistently broke tackles and gained yards after contact, creating explosive plays that set the pace for New England. His ability to accelerate through defensive gaps kept Tampa Bay’s defenders off balance, and his performance highlighted the Patriots’ strength in the ground game.

Beyond Henderson, quarterback Drake Maye played a key supporting role. Completing 270 passing yards with two touchdowns and only one interception, Maye balanced aggressive plays with smart decision-making. His timing and connection to wide receivers ensured consistent drives. Henderson’s dominance combined with Maye’s efficiency made them the central figures in the Patriots’ victory, leaving a lasting impact on fans and analysts alike.

What This Game Means for the Season Standings

The 28–23 victory strengthens New England’s playoff positioning. With this win, the Patriots improve to 8–2, reinforcing their status as one of the league’s most balanced teams. The combination of a potent rushing attack and disciplined defense signals that New England can maintain consistency throughout the remainder of the season. Analysts noted that key contributions from Henderson and Maye could influence the team’s playoff seeding and home-field advantage.

For Tampa Bay, the game exposes areas needing improvement despite a competitive showing. At 6–3, the Buccaneers remain in contention but must address red zone efficiency and situational execution. Coaches emphasized the importance of reducing errors and converting drives into touchdowns. The matchup serves as a lesson that, even in close games, small margins like turnovers, penalties, and big-play execution can influence the final standings significantly.

Final Thoughts on Patriots vs Buccaneers

The 9 November 2025 matchup underscores the significance of disciplined execution. Both teams moved the ball effectively, but New England’s ability to convert scoring opportunities, minimize mistakes, and create explosive plays ultimately defined the outcome. The game illustrated the value of balanced offense combining both passing and rushing along with tight defensive coverage that limits high-risk situations.

From a tactical perspective, this contest highlights the NFL’s emphasis on situational awareness. Tampa Bay showed resilience and offensive potential but fell short in the most crucial moments. The Patriots’ composure in third- and fourth-quarter scenarios showcased their experience and strategic preparation. For fans and analysts, the game reinforces that precision often outweighs sheer yardage in high-level football.

Conclusion

The Patriots’ 28–23 win over the Buccaneers demonstrated the importance of combining efficiency, explosive plays, and smart clock management. TreVeyon Henderson’s rushing dominance and Drake Maye’s passing precision were central to the victory, illustrating how individual performances integrate with team strategy to secure wins. The statistical analysis emphasizes that turnovers, red zone conversions, and situational discipline often determine outcomes more than total yardage alone.

For the Buccaneers, the matchup highlighted strengths in yardage accumulation and time of possession but revealed challenges in converting opportunities into points. Moving forward, Tampa Bay must improve red zone efficiency and limit costly mistakes. Overall, the game showcased the nuanced complexity of NFL football, where preparation, execution, and in-game adjustments define winners in tightly contested matchups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Patriots vs Buccaneers game on November 9, 2025?

The New England Patriots beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28–23.

Who led rushing for the Patriots?

TreVeyon Henderson rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns.

Which quarterbacks played in this matchup?

Drake Maye and Baker Mayfield were the starting quarterbacks, both throwing over 270 yards.

How did the Patriots defense perform?

The Patriots limited Tampa Bay to 371 total yards and several stalled scoring opportunities.

What was the key factor in the Patriots’ win?

Efficient red zone execution and explosive big plays defined New England’s victory.

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