Tampa -- New England won the coin toss and deffered until the second half, resulting in Tampa Bay getting the ball first.

Tampa Bay made New England pay for that decision.

Backup quarterback Brian Griese seemed like he could do no wrong against the Patriots' depleted secondary. He went 8-for-8 for 39 yards on the Bucs 17-play, 80-yard opening drive that Earnest Graham capped off with a one yard touchdown run through the heart of the Patriots defense, giving Tampa Bay the early 7-0 lead.

New England went three-and-out on its first possession.