TAMPA, Fla. -- Tom Brady looks to be in regular season form after tossing a pair of touchdown passes in the New England Patriots' 31-14 preseason win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick called this a big week for roster spot and position battles, and his team got the message.
Projected starting running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran for two touchdowns, and the Patriots' defense sacked Josh Freeman twice to stifle an offense that couldn't get going after being slowed by several early penalties.
New England has beaten Tampa Bay in the preseason only twice in nine meetings.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press