Tom Brady and the New England Patriots face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their second preseason game at 7:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday night at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Here's everything you need to know.
Event: New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL Preseason Week 2.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 18, 2011 - 7:30 p.m. EDT.
Location: Raymond James Stadium (65,857), Tampa, FL.
Broadcast Info: Thursday night's game between the Patriots and Buccaneers will be televised locally on Channel 4 (CBS), and can not be seen beyond the local viewing regions. The game will be aired on the radio on WBZ-FM 98.5 The Sports Hub, the flagship station of the New England Patriots.
Storyline: Tom Brady is expected to make his preseason debut, along with the rest of the Patriots' starters. Included in this group is veteran wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, who will be making his Pats debut after being traded to the team this offseason. Albert Haynesworth and Shaun Ellis, the team's biggest defensive acquisitions, are not expected to play. In addition, backup quarterback Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett will battle for playing time.
The Buccaneers coasted to a 25-0 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium last Friday. Bucs starting QB Josh Johnson was sharp in his short time in the game, completing 7-of-12 passes for 108 yards and a TD. Johnson also ran for 57 yards on five carries. Dezmon Briscoe had four catches for 60 yards to lead Bucs' receivers.
Previews: Read the game previews at Pats Pulpit - our New England Patriots blog - as well as Bucs Nation - our Tampa Bay Buccaneers blog. You can also read more at SB Nation.
Follow along with Thursday's game with our stream and blog, Pats Pulpit.