Courtesy of WTSP

The Patriots beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 28-23 to improve to 8-2 on the season. It was the Patriots seventh straight win.

It was a breakout game for rookie running back Tre’veyon Henderson and rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams whose big plays were the difference in the game.

After giving another opening drive touchdown, the defense settled down and did enough to keep the Buccaneers offense at bay while the offense did its thing.

Here are seven points from today’s win over the Buccaneers.

1. Henderson breaks out: We finally got to see just how much of a difference maker Tre’veyon Henderson can be after his performance today. Henderson carried the ball 14 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns. He scored on runs of 55 yards and 69 yards. His second touchdown put the game away. Henderson’s explosiveness was evident in this game and he may finally be comfortable in the offense. If the Patriots start getting more production out of him on a weekly basis, look out.

2. Maye’s Day: Maye went 16-of-31 for 270, 2 touchdown passes and an interception. His passer rating was 89.4 which is disappointing when you consider how good he has been this season. The rain impacted Maye early but when he needed to make big throws, he did. The interception late in the game was frustrating, but overall it was a good day for Maye when you consider the conditions and the defense he was facing.

3. Williams big play: Coming into this week, many were asking if this was the week the Patriots were going to finally get Kyle Williams going. Well, the answer is yes. Williams scored the Patriots first touchdown on a 72 yard run catch and run. It was Williams first touchdown and the Patriots biggest play in years. It was Williams only catch of the game but the hope is it gives him confidence moving forward to be a bigger part of the offense. The Patriots need to find ways to get him the ball more and utilize his speed.

4. Hollins steps up in a big way: If you look past Mack Hollins persona and his Tik Tok account, you will find that he is one hell of a football player and an integral part of this football team, on and off the field. Hollins caught 6 passes for 106 yards today and made several key blockers in the run game, including on Henderson’s two long touchdown runs. He stepped up in a big way today and was a big part of this Patriots win.

5. Defense does its part: The defense once again gave up an opening drive score and they were far from great but they did enough to keep the Buccaneers at bay in order for the Patriots to win the game. This unit is not flashy but they get the job done. They make key stops when the team needs them and they did that once again today.

6. Vrabel flex situational muscle: Mike Vrabel has a reputation of being a great situational coach and he proved it at the end of the first half when he essential gave up a first and goal to down to bleed the clock down so the Bucs wouldn’t get the ball back in the first half. The move worked as Drake Maye hit Stefon Diggs on a 4th down touchdown pass to give the Patriots a 14-10 lead at the half. The decision was brilliant and Vrabel looked even more like genius when the Patriots scored coming out of the first half to make it 21-10. They got the double score. It was an impressive display of situational coaching.

7. Another test passed: The Patriots passed yet another test by beating the Buccaneers today. Can we stop talking about tests now? The Patriots are for real. You do not win seven in a row by accident. Weak schedule or not. This team is good. It is time to acknowledge that.