The run defense has been as consistent as it has been sturdy for New England. In each of their nine games, no individual opponent running back has managed to reach 50 rushing yards. That includes a quartet of backs that rank in the top 10 league-wide in rushing entering Week 10 – James Cook, Rico Dowdle, De’Von Achane and Bijan Robinson.
The only team in the Super Bowl era to hold all opposing RBs under 50 rushing yards in more consecutive games was the 2020 Buccaneers in a season that culminated in a Super Bowl victory on their home turf. The Patriots can match that record 10-game streak this week. Fittingly, it is a road game against the Buccaneers that stands in their way.
The Buccaneers will be without starting running back Bucky Irving for the fifth straight game as he continues to recover from foot and shoulder injuries. Rachaad White has averaged 44.8 rushing yards per game in four starts in Irving’s absence, while Tampa Bay’s rush offense has dropped off from a top 10 unit to 30th in the NFL (72.3 rush YPG) since Week 5.