Twitter Roasts Bucs' Kicker Nick Folk Following Loss To New England Patriots On TNF

They might’ve lost last week, but it was a safe bet that Tom Brady and the New England Patriots weren’t about to go 2-3 on the season and lose for a second straight week. On Thursday night, the Patriots took care of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road in Florida winning 19-14, but it definitely didn’t come easy. In fact, the Patriots should buy Bucs FG kicker Nick Folk a steak dinner after he missed THREE field goals that ultimately cost them the game.

After taking a 13-7 lead into the half, the Patriots’ offense was shut down in the second half, only getting 2 field goals and not finding the end zone at all. The Bucs made it hella interesting after scoring a 4th quarter touchdown to TE Cameron Brate, cutting the deficit to 16-14. Brady then took the offense down the field where they would wind up getting another field goal, adding to to their lead 19-14.

The Bucs had one last chance at winning the game after Jameis Winston drove them all the way down to the NE 19 in the last 1:10 of the game. With one play to go and the outcome riding on it (19-14 score), Jameis stepped back and quickly threw the ball down the middle of the field to TE OJ Howard who wasn't even looking, ending the game on an unfortunate note following the impressive drive.

It should be mentioned that Bucs' kicker Nick Folk had missed two field goals just minutes apart from each other in the second half. Down 16-7, Nick missed one from 49 yards in the 3rd and later a chip shot at 31 yard FG in the 4th. If Nick hits either of those field goals, the Bucs would've only needed another field goal on the last drive to win the game rather than needing a tough touchdown. He also missed his first attempt right before halftime, but that was from 56 yards out so some slack should be given on that one.

Fantasy wise, Brady threw for 303 yards and had 1 TD, while throwing 1 interception as well. Chris Hogan was on the receiving end of the Pats’ only touchdown and had 8 catches for 74 yards, whereas Brandon Cooks had 5 catches for 85 yards himself. Meanwhile, Bucs star running back Doug Martin made his first appearance of the NFL season after serving his 3-game suspension, and he found the end zone in the first half. He ended up with 74 yards and that TD, while James Winston played from behind and threw the ball 46 times for 334 total yards and 1 touchdown. DeSean Jackson had 5 catches for 106 yards, meanwhile superstar Mike Evans was rather quiet catching only 5 balls for 49 yards.

For those wondering, Gronkowski was sideline with an injured thigh, but he should be ready togo again next week when the Pats (3-2) take on the New York Jets in NYC. The Bucs (2-2) will have 10 days to prepare for the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday.

Check out some of the highlights and reactions to last night's thriller at Raymond James Stadium (below). Let's say twitter pretty much had a field day with Bucs kicker Nick Folk though…

Bucs x Patriots