The all-important third preseason game for the New England Patriots isn't off to a grand start, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the first quarter of play and took a 14-0 lead into the second quarter on Friday night at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.
Tom Brady, who did not play in the Patriots' Week 2 preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, struggled in the first quarter, throwing an interception -- which was returned for a touchdown -- and being hit hard on a missed block by Nate Solder. Brady completed 4-of-6 passes for 37 yards in the quarter. Stevan Ridley rushed for 11 yards in the quarter.
Doug Martin scored the game's first points, scampering into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown with 9:41 to play in the quarter, putting Tampa Bay on top, 7-0. Mark Barron scored the second touchdown of the quarter, picking off Brady and returning it 22 yards for the score with 3:09 left. Josh Freeman completed 5-of-6 passes for 65 yards in the quarter.
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